March 13,2020 

We are facing an unprecedented challenge to our public health. Although there are no reported cases of Corona Virus in Pueblo it is not realistic to believe that it has not invaded our community. The spread of the virus around the world has given us some insight into how to best respond. We are not going to be able to stop the spread of the virus. Our goal should be to mitigate the spread of the virus.

In light of this, it is now time for us to take measures mitigating the spread of this virus. We must take personal responsibility for protecting ourselves from the infection by maintaining good personal hygiene, washing our hands, avoid touching our faces, don’t shake hands and maintain a social distance.

One of the things we must do to maintain social distance is to limit large gatherings at public events. In light of these concerns, the community ride connected to the Pueblo Classic Race scheduled March 15 is cancelled. This is the prudent course of action while this epidemic continues to evolve. I urge every organization which has a public event to cancel that event in order to maintain the social distancing that can help us mitigate the spread of this virus.

For the next thirty days, I am encouraging everyone to avoid holding and attending large public events. As this situation develops this time frame may be modified. While the City of Pueblo will continue providing essential services, services that require personal interaction with the public will be limited. Business that can be done electronically or over the phone will continue as usual. Offices that are ordinarily open to the public will be restricted. If you plan on visiting a City office, please call the specific City Department to make arrangements. 

City Office Department Telephone numbers are available at www.pueblo.us or by calling the City 3l 1 information line.

Undoubtedly these measures will result in temporary inconvenience but are necessary in order to protect the public health. Pueblo is a resilient community and together we can survive this health emergency. We have to act now, before there is a diagnosed case in Pueblo to minimize the damage this virus will cause. 

For questions on the COVID- 1 9 virus, call the Pueblo Department of Public Health & Environment at (7 I 9) 583-4444 or via the website at pueblohealth.org