°µºÚ±¬ÁÏ

Since students returned to classrooms in early January, there have been lots of changes to COVID policies in Colorado schools. Some districts have adjusted or dropped their mask requirements as more counties have done so. With changes to rules around COVID testing, quarantines and sick time, it can be challenging for staff to keep up with the latest.

While masks will no longer be required in many public places, health officials strongly recommend that people continue to wear them to help curb the spread of coronavirus.

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock announced Monday that people will no longer have to wear masks or show proof of vaccination starting Friday.

Nearly half of Native Americans and Alaska Natives have struggled with food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report published by several Native-led groups.

The recent wave of COVID-19 is taking a toll on students, teachers and staff around the state, who are facing half-empty classrooms and severe staffing shortages. At the same time, Colorado lawmakers are getting underway this month with number of bills aimed at addressing these and other education issues.

Omicron cases are surging across the Mountain West. In several states, more than 80% of ICU beds are filled. While these COVID-19 infections tend to have milder overall symptoms for individuals, they’re still landing people in the hospital and stressing health care systems and workers.

Colorado’s top public health investigator is cautiously optimistic that the latest coronavirus wave may be ending. Yet the state is still gripped by the virus. Cases and positivity rates are higher than in prior waves, straining businesses and schools as workers call in sick or quarantine after being exposed.

Big cats like lions are susceptible to COVID-19. So are mink and some hoofed animals, like deer. So many zoos are using a vaccine specifically made for animals to try and keep their often-endangered residents healthy.

Parents sending kids to school should look out for other fast-spreading viruses going around this season.

As Louisville recovers from the disastrous Marshall Fire, they have had to do so without the Avista Adventist Hospital, which was closed due to smoke damage. With the hospital slated to reopen next Tuesday, KUNC's Colorado Edition spoke with Kaiser Health °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ reporter Kate Ruder, who covered the closure and its impact.