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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Tag: COVID-19 symptoms

  • Colorado Delegation Calls on Federal Health Agency to Grant Colorado More Flexibility to Respond to Coronavirus Pandemic

    Colorado Delegation Calls on Federal Health Agency to Grant Colorado More Flexibility to Respond to Coronavirus Pandemic

    Delegation Letter Supports State of Colorado’s Application for 1135 Waiver from HHS  

     Washington, D.C. – Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D) and Cory Gardner (R), along with Colorado U.S. Representatives Diana DeGette (D), Joe Neguse (D), Scott Tipton (R), Ken Buck (R), Doug Lamborn (R), Jason Crow (D), and Ed Perlmutter (D), requested the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) waive certain requirements hampering the State of Colorado’s efforts to provide much-needed care to Coloradans during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In their letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar, the lawmakers requested a swift review of the state’s application for an 1135 waiver, which would provide Colorado’s Medicaid program more flexibility to serve Coloradans during this turbulent period.

     The lawmakers’ letter follows an announcement on Monday from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that it will grant 11 other states 1135 waivers.

     “On March 24, the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, the State’s Single State Medicaid agency, submitted an 1135 waiver, designed to reduce administrative burdens on: clients seeking access to care; on the state’s Medicaid program; and, on providers seeking to participate in Medicaid,” wrote Bennet and the lawmakers. “This three-pronged approach will free up valuable state resources during a time when, more than ever, Coloradans need seamless access to care and the state needs to devote as many resources as possible to the COVID-19 response.”

     “On behalf of our constituents, we urge HHS to complete full and fair consideration of Colorado’s 1135 waiver application in the most expeditious manner possible,” concluded the lawmakers.

     The text of the letter is available HERE and below. 

     Dear Secretary Azar:

     We write to request the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to give its quick, fair, and full consideration to Colorado’s application for a waiver under Section 1135 of the Social Security Act, which the state submitted today, March 24, 2020 [see attachment].

     On March 5, 2020, the first Colorado patient tested presumptive positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), now a global pandemic. On March 10, Governor Jared Polis declared a state of emergency. As of this morning on March 24, Colorado had 720 COVID-19 cases in 31 of its 64 counties, 72 hospitalizations, seven deaths, and five outbreaks at residential and non-residential health care facilities.

     Governor Polis, working with state agencies, has expeditiously deployed resources across the state to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Colorado has developed and implemented innovative approaches to addressing the increasing demands on state and private resources, including working with private business to address the personal protective equipment shortage, issuing Executive Orders to stop the spread of the disease, and implementing numerous measures to increase access to care, including through telehealth.

     On March 24, the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, the State’s Single State Medicaid agency, submitted an 1135 waiver, designed to reduce administrative burdens on: clients seeking access to care; on the state’s Medicaid program; and, on providers seeking to participate in Medicaid. This three-pronged approach will free up valuable state resources during a time when, more than ever, Coloradans need seamless access to care and the state needs to devote as many resources as possible to the COVID-19 response.

     We fully support quick consideration of Colorado’s 1135 waiver application, including both the check list of flexibilities under numbers 1 through 5 and the additional flexibilities under “Number 6 – Other Section 1135 Waiver Flexibilities,” to ensure they have the flexibility they need to effectively combat COVID-19.

     On behalf of our constituents, we urge HHS to complete full and fair consideration of Colorado’s 1135 waiver application in the most expeditious manner possible.

    photo credit: MGN online

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  • Gov. Polis Sends Letter Encouraging  New Safety Protocols for Grocery Stores

    Gov. Polis Sends Letter Encouraging  New Safety Protocols for Grocery Stores

    DENVER – Today Gov. Polis sent a letter to the Presidents of Albertsons Companies, which owns Safeway, and The Kroger Co., which owns King Soopers and City Market, encouraging new safety protocols for customers and employees. In the letter, the Governor also applauds efforts currently underway. 

    “I want to thank you, as a business leader in Colorado, for your efforts to date working in partnership with our state, your employees, and your customers to better protect our public health and food security during this extraordinarily challenging period,” the letter reads. 

    The letter includes proposals for providing the greatest possible protections for workers and customers while minimizing economic disruption. 

    Proposals include:

    • Providing appropriate gloves, masks, face screens, and other personal protective equipment to grocery store workers to the extent possible
    • Consider expanding into grocery delivery services, prioritizing service to those at the highest risk
    • Provide daily designated time periods for higher-risk individuals to shop
    • Establish entrance/access controls to ensure crowds are in compliance with safe social distancing practices 
    • To the extent possible, assign those employees with higher health-risks to tasks with lowest exposure risks such as backroom work

    To read the letter and see the full list of recommendations, click here. 

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  • State health department begins to distribute resources from Strategic National Stockpile

    State health department begins to distribute resources from Strategic National Stockpile

    The Colorado State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) are now shipping supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile across Colorado to help communities respond to COVID-19. 

    The Strategic National Stockpile is “the nation’s largest supply of potentially life-saving pharmaceuticals and medical supplies for use in a public health emergency severe enough to cause local supplies to run out.” Colorado received the following materials:

    49,200 N95 masks

    115,000 surgical masks

    21,420 surgical gowns 

    21,800 face shields

    84 coveralls

    CDPHE estimates that these supplies are sufficient for approximately one full day of statewide operations.

    The State Unified Command Group, which is part of the EOC, will distribute these materials to every county health department and tribe throughout the state where they are needed most. The following factors were used to determine allocation:

    county population

    portion of the population that is older than age 65 proportional to the state population

    the number of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals

    if the county or tribe has received supplies previously All county health departments and tribes in the state will receive supplies. CDPHE will work with regional staff to coordinate deliveries.

    “We are relieved that we have finally received materials from the Strategic National Stockpile, but it’s not nearly enough,” said Scott Bookman, COVID Incident Commander, CDPHE. “We’re going to need more supplies and are grateful to all our partners across the state who are donating supplies and stepping up to help Colorado meet the demand.”

    There are many ways people can contribute to these efforts:

    The State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is coordinating requests for supplies and donations of supplies, as well as trained medical personnel. Please follow the three steps on the Colorado Business EOC website [colorado.gov/cobeoc/business-members-and-vendors] to create an account in the state resource database. The State EOC uses this database to fill all resource requests from state and local agencies during emergencies.

    Coloradans who wish to donate or volunteer to help those affected by COVID-19 should visit www.helpcoloradonow.com.

    There is an urgent need for blood. Go to vitalent.org to sign up to donate blood. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is meant for single-use and is recommended by the CDC to be used for COVID-19 testing. In order to preserve these important resources for critical health care needs, CDPHE is urging the public to not wait for a test to self-isolate. People who are not at high risk of severe illness may not need to be evaluated in person or tested for COVID-19. Not everyone with symptoms will be tested right away. Call your health care provider only if your illness becomes more severe, especially if you are experiencing shortness of breath. 

    If you have any symptoms — even mild ones — public health urges you to stay home and isolate yourself until: 

    You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (without the use of medicine) AND

    Other symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) have improved AND

    At least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.

    Anyone in your household you have had close contact with (within six feet for approximately 10 minutes) should self-quarantine for 14 days, even if you haven’t been tested for COVID-19.

    If you have a medical emergency, call 911. If you have severe respiratory symptoms, especially shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, tell the 911 dispatcher about your symptoms. Do not wait for a COVID-19 test to call 911. Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.

     

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  • State health department issues public health order reducing in-person work and increasing social distancing

    State health department issues public health order reducing in-person work and increasing social distancing

    In accordance with Governor Polis’ executive order, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued a public health order implementing a 50% reduction in non-essential business in-person work and increasing social distancing.

    In order to protect public health and safety and slow the spread of COVID-19, this public health order increases social distancing and identifies critical workplaces that are exempt to make sure Colorado can provide goods and services to its people during the COVID-19 response.

    “We call on Colorado business leaders to join us in these efforts,” says Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “Help us protect Coloradans by using your best judgment about where your workplace fits in this public health order. It’s up to all of us to keep our workforce, partners, and the public safe.”

    As with all other recent public health orders, businesses are asked to voluntarily comply; however, counties and local public health agencies have the authority to enforce this order. Local law enforcement and/or the local public health agency may contact businesses to encourage them to voluntarily comply.  If the problem continues, the business could face civil or criminal action for a violation of the public health order. People who are concerned about noncompliance should express their concerns to the business first, and if you continue to have concerns, report them to local law enforcement or your local public health agency.

    The critical workplaces that are exempt include:

          •Health care operations.

    • Critical Infrastructure, including utilities, fuel supply and transmission, public water, telecommunications, transportation, hotels, organizations that provide for disadvantaged people, and food supply chain.
    • Critical Manufacturing, including food, beverages, chemicals, medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, sanitary products, agriculture.
    • Critical Retail, including grocery stores, liquor stores, farms, gas stations, restaurants and bars for takeout, marijuana dispensaries but only for medical or curbside delivery, hardware stores.
    • Critical Services, including trash and recycling, mail, shipping, laundromats, child care, building cleaning and maintenance, auto supply and repair, warehouses/distribution, funeral homes, crematoriums, cemeteries, animal shelters and rescues. 
    • News Media.
    • Financial Institutions.
    • Providers of Basic Necessities to Economically Disadvantaged Populations.
    • Construction.
    • Defense.
    • Public Safety Services like law enforcement, fire prevention and response, EMTs, security, disinfection, cleaning, building code enforcement, snow removal, auto repair.
    • Vendors that Provide Critical Services or Products including logistics, child care, tech support, or contractors with critical government services.
    • “Critical Government Functions.”   

    Here are some examples of how this public health order could be implemented:

      • Critical businesses: (e.g., hospital): the 50% reduction in workforce will not apply, but social distancing (6 feet apart) and gathering no more than 10 people does apply, to the extent possible. 

    • Non-critical businesses (e.g., a retail storefront that sells goods other than food): the 50% reduction in workforce does apply. This can be done by implementing teleworking, staggering your workforce, or using other tools. Social distancing and gathering no more than 10 people also applies. If you can show that your employees and customers can maintain a distance of six feet from one another during work hours, you can fill out a waiver form that allows your business to continue operating at more than 50%. This “Self-certification for businesses” attestation form is available now at covid19.colorado.gov/schools-workplaces-community.   The order takes effect on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at 8 a.m. and is set to last through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2020.  The order may be extended, changed, ended or replaced, so it is important to follow local sources of good information, like covid19.colorado.gov to stay informed.    On March 5, CDPHE’s public health laboratory confirmed the first presumptive positive COVID-19 test result in Colorado. Since then, the number of confirmed cases has continued to climb. Colorado needs to take these precautions for the preservation of public health and safety throughout our entire State and to ensure our health care delivery system can serve those who are sick.     To read the public health order, click here. To see frequently asked questions, click here. 

     

    Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.  

     

    El Departamento de Salud de Colorado emite una orden de salud pública para reducir el número de trabajadores presenciales en empleos “no críticos” y recomienda distancia social extrema

    DENVER, Marzo 23, 2020: De acuerdo con la orden ejecutiva del Gobernador Polis, el Departamento de Salud y Medio Ambiente de Colorado emitió una orden de salud pública que implementa una reducción de 50% de trabajadores presenciales en empleos “no críticos” y extrema distancia social.

    Con el fin de proteger la salud pública y disminuir el contagio del COVID-19, esta orden de salud pública incrementa la distancia social e identifica a los lugares de trabajo que están exentos, con el fin de asegurar que Colorado pueda proveer bienes y servicios mientras se combate el COVID-19. 

    “Le hacemos un llamado a los líderes de los negocios en Colorado para unirse a estos esfuerzos,” así los dijo Jill Hunsaker Ryan, Directora Ejecutiva del Departamento de Salud y Medio Ambiente de Colorado. “Ayúdenos a proteger a los habitantes de Colorado al usar el sentido común sobre en qué categoría su fuerza de trabajo se encuentra en la orden de salud pública.  Depende de nosotros mantener la fuerza laboral, asociados y la seguridad pública”.

     

    Los lugares de trabajo que están exentos, incluyen:  • Cuidado de salud.

    • Infraestructura esencial, incluyendo servicios básicos, gasolina, agua, telecomunicaciones, transportación, hoteles, organizaciones que brindan servicio a personas con necesidades especiales y alimentos. 
    • Manufactura esencial, alimentos, bebidas, químicos, equipo médico, farmacéutico, productos sanitarios, agricultura.
    • Ventas de minoristas, supermercados, licorerías, granjas, gasolineras, entrega a domicilio de restaurantes y bares, dispensarios de marihuana pero solo medicinal y la entrega será afuera del dispensario, ferreterías.  
    • Servicios esenciales, incluyendo basura y reciclaje, correo, envíos, lavanderías, cuidado infantil, mantenimiento y limpieza de edificios, talleres de autos, bodegas/distribución, funerarias, crematorios, cementerios, albergues y rescate animal.  
    • Medios de comunicación.
    • Instituciones financieras.
    • Proveedores de necesidades básicas para poblaciones en desventaja económica.
    • Construcción.
    • Defensa.
    • Servicios de seguridad como policías, bomberos, EMTs, seguridad, desinfección, limpieza, cumplimiento del código de edificios, limpieza de nieve y reparación de autos. 
    • Proveedores de servicios esenciales que incluyen logística, cuidado infantil, apoyo técnico o proveedores de servicios de gobierno esenciales.
    • “Funciones de Gobierno esenciales.”   

    Estos son algunos ejemplos de cómo podría ser implementada esta orde de salud pública:

      • Negocios esenciales: (por ejemplo hospital): la reducción del 50% de su fuerza laboral no aplica, pero distancia social (6 pies de distancia) y agrupaciones de no más de 10 personas si aplica, en la medida de lo posible. 

    • Negocios no esenciales (por ejemplo tiendas minoristas que no sean de alimentos): la reducción del 50% de la fuerza laboral aplica. Esto podría ser por medio de trabajo a distancia, escalonando su fuerza laboral o por medio de otras alternativas. Distancia social y no más en grupos de 10 personas aplica.  Si puede mostrarle a sus empleados y clientes a mantenerse en una distancia de 6 pies uno de otro durante las horas de trabajo, puede llenar un documento que le permite continuar operando con más del 50% de su fuerza laboral. Los puede encontrar en “Self-certification for businesses” attestation form en la página covid19.colorado.gov/schools-workplaces-community.   Esta orden toma efecto el martes 24 de marzo, 2020 a partir de las 8:00 a.m. y está pautado hasta las 11:59 p.m. del viernes, 10 de abril, 2020.   El 5 de marzo, el laboratorio del CDPHE confirmó el primer caso presuntamente positivo del COVID-19 en Colorado. Desde esa fecha, el número de casos confirmados se han incrementado.  Colorado necesita tomar estas medidas de precaución para salvaguardar la salud pública y la seguridad en en el estado de Colorado y así asegurar que el sistema del cuidado de salud pueda atender a todos lo que están enfermos.     Para leer la orden pública visite  aqui.  Para preguntas frecuentes visite aqui.   

    Actualizaciones en  covid19.colorado.gov.

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  • Arapahoe County extends closure of county facilities to the public through April 17

    Arapahoe County extends closure of county facilities to the public through April 17

    The Arapahoe County Board of County Commissioners has announced that all county facilities will remain closed to the public effective through at least April 17, 2020. This closure is designed to help curb the spread of COVID-19, and the decision is consistent with guidelines issued by the White House, and by state and public health officials.

    The county will continue to make a number of its services available online, and many county operations will continue during this closure. 

    The Board of County Commissioners is working closely with the Tri-County Health Department and the county’s Office of Emergency Management to monitor the situation and will make any changes as new data or guidance becomes available.

    County departments and offices will maintain reduced staffing levels to support essential operations, while other employees will work from home.

    For more information, visit ArapahoeGov.com/covid19.

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  • Gov. Polis Secures Federal Loan Assistance for Colorado’s Small Businesses

    DENVER – Colorado small businesses impacted by COVID-19 can seek individual small business loans up to $2M as part of the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. Small businesses throughout all 64 counties may seek SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Governor Jared Polis announced that Colorado’s application for federal disaster area designation has been approved.  

    “The economic impact of COVID-19 has been felt across our state. We are committed to protecting public health and safety and will continue fighting to ensure the pain that Colorado’s small businesses are feeling is limited. This critical designation allows small businesses in all 64 Colorado counties to seek federal recovery loans that can help them through this challenging time. I thank the Colorado federal delegation for their efforts to help unlock this assistance,” said Governor Polis. 

    The SBA Disaster assistance provides low-interest federal loans for working capital to Colorado small businesses that have realized economic injury from COVID-19. Funding was appropriated through the US congressional Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act. 

    “Colorado’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade is committed to helping our small businesses access these vital funds,” said Executive Director Betsy Markey. “Eligibility information, loan application links and emerging economic recovery resources can all be found at choosecolorado.com.”

    “Small businesses are the fabric of our economy and their success is dependent on the ability to freely market products and services to communities across the state and world,” said SBA Regional Administrator Dan Nordberg. “Local small businesses are bearing the brunt of that impact and facing a severe decline in customer traffic.  SBA’s top priority is to assist businesses adversely impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and our Economic Injury Disaster Loans can be the working capital lifelines they need to weather this difficult time.”

    Small businesses, private non-profit organizations, small agricultural cooperatives and small aquaculture enterprises impacted by COVID-19 can seek federal loans to pay key needs such as fixed debts, payroll, and accounts payable.

    About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

    The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works with partners to create a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. Under the leadership of Governor Jared Polis, we strive to advance the State’s economy through financial and technical assistance that fosters local and regional economic development activities throughout Colorado. OEDIT offers a host of programs and services tailored to support business development at every level including business retention services, business relocation services, and business funding and incentives. Our office includes the Global Business Development division; Colorado Tourism Office; Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office; Colorado Creative Industries; Business Financing & Incentives division; the Colorado Small Business Development Network; Colorado Office of Film, TV & Media; the Minority Business Office; and the Colorado Innovation Network. Learn more at www.choosecolorado.com.

     

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  • Colorado Continues to Take Action in Response to COVID-19

    Colorado Continues to Take Action in Response to COVID-19

    DENVER – Today Governor Polis announced a number of state actions to address the impact of COVID-19. Actions include a special enrollment period for uninsured Coloradans, executive orders temporarily suspending elective surgeries and reducing in-person contact related to election requirements, and an updated public health order from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. 

    “As a state, we are looking at all possible solutions to ensure we are protecting the health and safety of Coloradans and minimizing the duration of the crisis,” said Governor Jared Polis. “This is a coordinated effort with all state agencies and community partners to utilize every resource available during this difficult time to reduce the severity and duration of the crisis. Together, we will get through this.”

    The Governor signed an executive order today temporarily suspending elective and non-essential surgeries and procedures to preserve important medical equipment, like personal protective equipment and ventilators, needed to combat COVID-19. The executive order is in effect from March 23 to April 14, with the exception of rural and critical access hospitals. The state recognizes the unique challenges faced by rural hospitals and their essential role in providing support to their communities. This includes all voluntary or elective surgeries or procedures, whether medical, dental, or veterinary. A voluntary or elective surgery or procedure means the surgery can be delayed without risk to the current or future health of the patient. Read the full executive order here. 

    The Governor also issued an updated executive order for in-person contact regarding elections and operations in the Secretary of State’s Office. This includes the suspension of any in-person filings of forms, statements, applications or any other documents with the Secretary of State’s office. This executive order also includes directives for the Title Board, county clerk’s offices and county canvass board. Read the full executive order here.

    In addition, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued an updated public health order closing bars, restaurants, theaters, gyms and casinos to include nonessential personal services facilities, horse track and off-track betting facilities statewide. Nonessential personal services include hair or nail salons, spas, or tattoo or massage parlors. Click here to read the updated public health order. 

    The Division of Insurance and Connect for Health Colorado today announced that Emergency Regulation 20-E-02 will establish a special enrollment period (SEP) for uninsured Coloradans to get health insurance. Uninsured people will be allowed to enroll in individual health insurance plans (meaning plans NOT from an employer) from March 20 through April 3, 2020. Coverage will be effective starting on April 1, regardless of when someone enrolls during that window. Only people who are currently uninsured are eligible to enroll, as this is not a period for people with coverage to change plans. Uninsured spouses and children will also be allowed to enroll at this time, even if one spouse or a child’s parent may already be insured.

    “Many people are unaware that they are eligible for financial assistance to help lower their premiums,” said Michael Conway, Colorado Insurance Commissioner. “We encourage everyone who is uninsured to use this opportunity to visit Connect for Health Colorado, check what assistance they may be eligible for, and enroll in coverage.”

    Coloradans who lose their job, or who may lose their job in the coming weeks, and thus lose their employer-based health insurance, are reminded that loss of such coverage allows them a 60-day window to enroll in individual coverage, whenever that might happen throughout the year. See Connect for Health Colorado’s “When can I buy insurance?” page for details. 

    “We’re ready to do our part to help protect the health and well-being of as many Coloradans as possible,” said Connect for Health Colorado® Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “It is our mission to increase access to health insurance, and I am pleased we can make it easier for people to get the coverage they need at this critical time. I encourage all uninsured Coloradans, especially those who are newly uninsured, to enroll now by reaching out to Connect for Health Colorado.”

    Colorado consumers are encouraged to enroll through our state’s exchange, Connect for Health Colorado. Financial assistance for those who qualify is only available when enrolling through Connect for Health Colorado. Contact Connect at 855-752-6749 or find in-person assistance through their statewide network of certified experts at connectforhealthco.com/person-help, including appointments with a broker or assister by phone. In addition, Connect for Health offers tools such as the Quick Cost & Plan Finder that can help check eligibility for financial assistance while finding plans that fit consumers’ needs. 

     

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  • State health department calls on people, especially those who think they might have the illness, to self-isolate

    State health department calls on people, especially those who think they might have the illness, to self-isolate

    Close contacts of sick people should self-quarantine  

    DENVER, March 19, 2020: The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is urging self-isolation or self-quarantine for Coloradans and visitors to Colorado.

    Self-isolation applies to people who: • Have a positive COVID-19 test.

    • Have symptoms of COVID-19 (coughing, shortness of breath and/or fever).
    • Are getting ill and think they might have COVID-19. Symptoms, especially early on, may be very mild and feel like a common cold. Symptoms could include a combination of cough, body aches, fatigue, and chest tightness. Some people may not develop fever or fever may not appear until several days into the illness. Self-quarantine applies to: •People who are close contacts of a person who either has a positive test or symptoms —  even early symptoms — of illness.

    “Right now not everyone who has been exposed to or becomes ill with COVID-19 will be able to or need to have a test to confirm whether or not they have the illness,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist, CDPHE, “but isolation and quarantine, even without test results, is what people must do to slow the spread of this illness in our state. Even people who feel mild illness, and aren’t sure, should follow self-isolation orders, and their contacts should follow self-quarantine orders.”

    Self-isolation is for people who have symptoms of COVID-19 and means staying away from others until 7 days have passed since the symptoms began and until any fever has been gone for 72 hours and all other symptoms are improving.

    Self-quarantine is for people who don’t have symptoms but are close contacts of people who have symptoms. It means staying away from others for 14 days to see if one becomes ill. People who become ill with COVID-19 symptoms (even early symptoms) while self-quarantining then start the self-isolation period.

    CDPHE has put together how-tos for people who are self-isolating and self-quarantining. They are available at covid19.colorado.gov/isolation-and-quarantine.

    “We’re calling on all people in Colorado now to take personal responsibility and self-quarantine and self-isolate in order to protect people and our health care system,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director, CDPHE, “and we are counting on everyone, including the media to share this information quickly and responsibly.”

    Increasingly, cities and counties, including some in Colorado, are issuing stricter social distancing orders than those that currently are in place in Colorado. The stricter orders mean everyone must stay home, except for certain essential activities. The terms of such orders could vary by location. More restrictive orders are a more aggressive approach intended to enforce social distancing and keep people at home to limit disease spread.

    Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.

     

    El Departamento de Salud y Medio Ambiente de Colorado pide a la población, especialmente a aquellos que podrían tener la enfermedad, a auto-aislarse.

    Los contactos cercanos de estas personas enfermas, deben de estar en auto-cuarentena.

    DENVER, marzo 19, 2020: El Departamento de Salud Pública y Medio Ambiente del Estado de Colorado (CDPHE) urge a auto-asilarse o ponerse en auto-cuarentena a todos los habitantes de Colorado y a sus visitantes.

    El auto-aislamiento incluye a las personas que:

    • Hayan dado resultado positivo a la prueba del COVID-19.

    • Presenten síntomas del COVID-19 (tos, dificultad de respirar y/o fiebre).

    • Se están enfermando y sospechen que pueden tener el COVID-19. Los síntomas, especialmente al inicio, pueden ser muy leves y pueden sentirse como un resfriado común. Los síntomas pueden incluir una combinación de tos, dolores de cuerpo, fatiga y rigidez en el pecho. Algunas personas pueden no presentar síntomas hasta varios días después de estar enfermos.

     La auto-cuarentena incluye a:

    • Personas que estén en contacto cercano con una persona que ha resultado positivo a la prueba, o con síntomas — aún síntomas leves — de la enfermedad.

     “Ahora mismo cualquier persona que haya sido expuesta o se haya enfermado con el COVID-19 podrá o necesitará llevar a cabo una prueba para confirmar si tiene o no la enfermedad,” dijo la Dra. Rachel Herlihy, epidemióloga del estado, “pero el aislamiento y la cuarentena, aún sin los resultados, es lo que las personas deben hacer para disminuir la propagación de la enfermedad en nuestro estado. Aún las personas que sientan una leve enfermedad, y no estén seguros de tenerla, deben seguir la instrucción de un auto-aislamiento y sus contactos deben seguir la instrucción de la auto-cuarentena”.

     El auto-aislamiento es para las personas que tengan síntomas del COVID-19 y significa estar lejos de los demás hasta que 7 días hayan pasado desde que los síntomas hayan comenzado y hasta que la fiebre haya desaparecido por 72 horas y todos los demás síntomas hayan mejorado.

     La auto-cuarentena es para las personas que no tienen síntomas pero que estuvieron en contacto con personas que tienen síntomas. Significa estar lejos de los demás por 14 días para ver si se presenta la enfermedad.  Personas que se enfermen con COVID-19 (aún primeros síntomas) mientras estén en auto-cuarentena, deben comenzar el periodo de auto-aislamiento.

     El CDPHE ha puesto una serie de procedimientos para personas que estén en auto-aislamiento y auto-cuarentena. Estos están disponibles en covid19.colorado.gov/isolation-and-quarantine.

     “Le estamos haciendo un llamado a toda la población de Colorado para que tomen la responsabilidad y se auto-aíslen y se pongan en auto-cuarentena para proteger a las personas y a nuestro sistema de salud,” dijo Jill Hunsaker Ryan, directora ejecutiva del CDPHE, “ y estamos contando con todos, incluyendo los medios de comunicación para que compartan esta información rápidamente y con responsabilidad”.

     Algunas ciudades y condados, incluyendo algunos en Colorado, han realizado órdenes de distancia social más estrictas que las actuales en Colorado. Órdenes más estrictas significa que todos deben quedarse en casa, excepto para algunas actividades esenciales. Los términos de estas órdenes pueden variar de lugar a lugar.  Órdenes más estrictas son medidas más agresivas destinadas a hacer obligatorio la distancia social y mantener a las personas en casa para limitar la propagación de la enfermedad.

     Actualizaciones en: covid19.colorado.gov.

     

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  • Telephone Town Hall rescheduled for Tuesday, March 24

    Telephone Town Hall rescheduled for Tuesday, March 24

    Due to the spring blizzard that hit the Front Range and the impact it has on our emergency responders, last nights  COVID-19 Telephone Town Hall is being rescheduled for Tuesday, March 24 at 7 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience and hope you’ll join us next week for important updates. Visit arapahoegov.com/townhall for more details

     

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  • State health department pursues strategic approach to testing in face of widespread COVID-19 transmission in Colorado

    State health department pursues strategic approach to testing in face of widespread COVID-19 transmission in Colorado

    DENVER, March 18, 2020: The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is pursuing a strategic approach to testing in the state to steward our state and country’s scarce resources in the face of widespread community transmission of COVID-19 in Colorado. CDPHE is sending testing resources to specific communities that have not yet had testing that will yield vital information about how the disease is spreading. There is unprecedented collaboration between state government, local government, and the private sector to increase testing capacity over the next few weeks. However, CDPHE is strongly advising the public: If you have symptoms (fever, cough, and shortness of breath), don’t wait for a test to self-isolate.

    The State is expanding testing to include a temporary site in Pueblo on Thursday, March 19. The Colorado National Guard and Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment are supporting these efforts. CDPHE also plans to send testing resources to other locations later this week. CDPHE is prioritizing testing in areas that have not been highly tested to better understand where the disease is occurring and respond. These sites will serve high-risk patients who have been pre-selected by area health care providers. They will not accept walk-up or drive-up patients. 

    “We are prioritizing testing in certain areas in order to better understand where and how much transmission is occurring,” said Rachel Herlihy, State Epidemiologist. “It’s critical that we are gathering data in all areas of the state, especially areas where there hasn’t been a lot of testing.”

    The state health department is also strongly advising that if you have mild symptoms, stay home and avoid contact with others. Call your health care provider only if your illness becomes more severe, especially if you are experiencing shortness of breath. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 and tell the dispatcher your symptoms. People who are not at high risk of severe illness may not need to be evaluated in person or tested for COVID-19. Not everyone with symptoms will be tested right away. 

    If you have mild symptoms, suspect you were exposed, and are either unable to get tested or waiting on test results:

    • Please stay home and isolate yourself until:
      • You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (without the use of medicine) AND
      • Other symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) have improved AND
      • At least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared.
    • Anyone in your household you have had close contact with (within six feet for approximately 10 minutes) should self-quarantine for 14 days, even if you haven’t been tested for COVID-19.

    Testing completed at the State Laboratory will be prioritized in order to:

    • Identify and monitor for community transmission of COVID-19.
    • Investigate potential outbreaks in health care and residential facilities.
    • Ensure a safe workforce in health care and other facilities serving high-risk populations.
    • Test critically ill patients for whom commercial testing will not provide timely enough results.

    As state epidemiologists keep a close eye on this rapidly changing situation, recommendations will change. At the beginning of any public health outbreak, it’s important to test and confirm individual cases. This information helps public health responders confirm when and where transmission is happening in a community. However, once community spread becomes more evident, public health moves away from diagnosing the illness in individuals and toward identifying community outbreaks. 

    Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.

     

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