COVID-19 HHRC Update: 3rd & 4th Positive COVID-19 Cases in Grand County
March 30, 2020 4:30 pm
Information shared from Grand Country Public Health https://www.co.grand.co.us/COVID19
Confirmed Positive Case of COVID-19 in Grand County
Today Grand County Public Health (GCPH) was notified of a confirmed positive test result for COVID-19 involving a healthcare professional working and residing in Grand County. The confirmed individual provided a sample for testing on March 26, and GCPH was notified today by the facility where the patient sought testing. This brings the total positive cases in Grand County to three.
GCPH is investigating this case and is contacting everyone with very close, prolonged contact with the infected person during the specific timeframe of exposure. GCPH officials emphasize that they are following the protocols put in place by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Centers for Disease Controls (CDC). A link to the CDC’s risk exposure table that explains the categories of risk considered by GCPH can be found here: CDC Exposure Risk Categories. They also must adhere to strict HIPAA laws protecting patient health information.
“We have been expecting more positive cases in Grand County for several weeks, so another case should not surprise anybody. This is no cause for panic or anxiety as our public health officials and medical experts have been making every effort to put every precaution possible in place,” stated Brad White, Incident Commander (IC) for the COVID-19 Response Team. Jim Kraker, Deputy IC, added, “No one wants to hear news of the virus among healthcare workers or first responders, as they are on the front lines of this pandemic. However, the community should be reassured that GCPH has been working diligently for a long time to prepare for this.”
GCPH and your local law enforcement agencies strongly advise everyone to obey the Stay-At-Home Order–it is the law. Travel to or within Grand County is NOT ALLOWED unless it is for necessary business or services. Necessary activities include obtaining food and other household necessities, going to and from work at critical businesses, seeking medical care, caring for dependents or pets, or caring for a vulnerable person in another location. We all need to do our part during this challenging time–it could mean saving a life.
If you are concerned about your symptoms, please call your primary care provider for guidance. Your healthcare professional will work with county and state public health departments and the CDC to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19. If you do not have a primary care physician, call your nearest healthcare facility.
For specific questions regarding the Team’s response please call 970-725-3803 or email [email protected]. For questions about the Governor’s Stay-At-Home Order call the Colorado State Patrol at 1-833-598-5553. Please refrain from calling County dispatch (9-1-1) and use the numbers above.
