In addition to numerous statewide school and restaurant/bar closures and restrictions on events and public gatherings of any sort, we are keeping a live file of local event and service impacts. Here’s the latest:

Garfield County Libraries closure extended

In response to national and statewide guidelines, all Garfield County Libraries will remain closed to the public through April 30 as a precaution related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

“This closure will allow the library district to do its part in protecting the health of staff and prevent the spread of the virus within our buildings,” Brett Lear, executive director of the Garfield County Libraries, said in a March 30 press release.

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The decision was made after reviewing the latest information on COVID-19 including the governor’s stay at home order which remains in effect through mid-April, and the extension of the federal government’s social distancing guidelines through April 30.

LIFT-UP changes food pantry service

Because of the rapidly evolving situation with COVID-19, LIFT-UP has developed new systems for receiving food donations, food distribution and food transportation.

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Here’s the new drive-up food distribution schedule:

• Parachute: 2 p.m. Thursday, LIFT-UP Food Pantry, 201 E. First St.
• Rifle: 2 p.m. Wednesday and Friday; NEW LOCATION at Rifle Fairgrounds
• New Castle: 2 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, & Fri., Elk Creek Elementary School parking lot, 804 W. Main St.
• Glenwood Springs: 2 p.m. Monday and Thursday, Glenwood Springs High School, south parking lot
• Carbondale: 2 p.m. Monday and Thursday, Third Street Center parking lot
• Aspen/Pitkin County: Wednesday, April 1, beginning at noon, at Aspen High School. Food Bank of the Rockies in partnership with Aspen Family Connection will handle distribution of food for Aspen/Pitkin County from Aspen Schools. LIFT-UP will assist with providing fresh produce and dairy as available. For more information on this distribution site, please visit http://www.PitkinCounty.com.
• Mid-valley (Basalt/El Jebel): LIFT-UP and key partners are working on a mid-valley distribution location. Check the liftup.org website for updates. Please do not call the office for information.

Extended Table soup kitchens are functioning as a grab-and-go bagged meal, from 5 – 6 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday at the Rifle United Methodist Presbyterian Church, located in the Lovell Building at 200 E. 4^th St. 

In Glenwood Springs, look for posted updates for Monday through Friday meal distribution at the First United Methodist Church, 824 Cooper Ave.

Senior shopping hours

Many chain grocery and retail stores have implemented special shopping hours reserved for senior citizens (age 60 and up), including City Market stores in Garfield County.

In the case of City Market, access to stores is being limited to seniors from 7-8 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Others, including Target, Whole Foods and Dollar General, are also restricting the first hour of business (varies by store) each day to seniors 60+.

In-person church services canceled, online worship offered

Due to the limit on public gatherings of more than 10 people, churches are not able to hold in-person worship services. Many area churches have begun pre-recording or live-streaming services. Check individual church websites or social media platforms to see what your church is doing.

Ride Glenwood suspended, city airport flights restricted

The city of Glenwood Springs has announced the temporary suspension of its public transit service, Ride Glenwood, and non-critical air traffic at the Glenwood Springs Municipal Airport, effective Monday, March 23.

According to a city news release, RFTA’s services can still be utilized to access many city locations in Ride Glenwood’s absence. RFTA’s bus schedule can be found at http://www.rfta.com

CMC cancels spring commencement ceremonies

Colorado Mountain College is canceling in-person spring graduation ceremonies at all campuses

College leadership is considering alternate arrangements to celebrate CMC’s 2020 graduates to be announced in the coming weeks. Updated information will be posted at http://www.ColoradoMtn.edu/2020Commencement.

Glenwood lodging and business operations

The Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association and VisitGlenwood.com are maintaining a live Google spreadsheet listing on the open/closed status of Glenwood businesses, including hotels and motels.

Caverns, Iron Mountain Springs also closed

The Glenwood Caverns and Adventure Park, and Iron Mountain Hot Springs also closed until at least April 17.

GarCo Humanitarian, Athena Awards postponed

The Garfield County Humanitarian Awards and the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association’s Athena Awards ceremonies that had been planned in March and April have been postponed.

The Chamber has set a tentative reschedule date of May 14 for the Athena event, and a new date will be announced for the Humanitarian Awards.

CPA Convention in Glenwood Springs canceled

As a result of the rapidly shifting landscape due to COVID-19, the Colorado Press Association board of directors has decided to cancel the upcoming convention, scheduled for April 30 through May 2 in Glenwood Springs. 

CPA said its primary concern will always be the health and well-being of its attendees, speakers, exhibitors and staff, according to a press release.

Airport field trip canceled

The Rifle Garfield County Airport has canceled its annual airport field trip day previously scheduled for Thursday, April 16, due to efforts to be in compliance with the requirements regarding the COVID-19 virus. 

Staff will miss enjoying this time with these young children and look forward to seeing them next year, according to a press release.

Energy Advisory Board meeting canceled

The April 2 Garfield County Energy Advisory Board meeting has been canceled, under order from the area county health departments regarding public gatherings

The public health order is scheduled to be revisited on April 8. “We will continue to monitor the situation and let you know if the May 7 meeting will be held or if it will need to be canceled,” the county said in a press release regarding the EAB cancellation.