COVID-19 HHRC Update: Situational Update, What Can You Do To Help?, Mask Mandate, and Testing in Grand County
Situational Update
Cases of COVID-19 in Grand County are on the rise. As of today, we have a total of 29 positive cases among Grand County residents, 10 of which tested positive within the last two weeks. Per the state’s latest metrics for evaluating risk (7 or more cases for a county/jurisdiction with a population of less than 30,000), our current two-week count of 10 new cases puts Grand County in the “High Disease Transmission Rate” category. Being in the “High Transmission” category means:
- Grand County does not meet the criteria to qualify for the Protect Our Neighbors phase
- Grand County’s economic recovery could be in jeopardy
- Community members and visitors must be vigilant in following the protective measures in place
If our cases continue to rise, other qualifying metrics such as sufficient hospital bed capacity, sufficient PPE supply, sufficient testing capacity, the ability to implement case investigation and contact tracing protocol could also be in jeopardy.
Grand County Public Health was also notified of an additional confirmed positive test result for an individual who was visiting Grand County and recreating. This individual is not included in our case count because their permanent residence is not in Grand County. Although the individual is not a resident, a case investigation has been launched, further impacting the local public health capacity.
What Can You Do To Help?
We all have a role to play in limiting the spread of this virus. Containing the outbreak will require committed action from the entire community. Follow the five commitments below, and together we will #StayHealthy and #StayOpen:
- I will maintain 6 feet of distance from anyone not in my household.
- I will wash my hands often.
- I will cover my face in public.
- I will stay home when I am sick.
- I will seek testing immediately and self-report if I experience symptoms.
Thank others (including strangers) you see in public who are wearing face coverings. Shop at and promote local businesses that are taking COVID-19 precautions seriously. In addition, please avoid the 3 C’s: closed spaces, with poor ventilation; crowded places, with many people nearby; and close-contact settings, such as close range-conversations.
Mask Mandate
As of July 7, 2020, both Winter Park and Fraser have signed emergency ordinances mandating masking wearing in public areas. Those who refuse to wear a mask can be fined $50 on the first offense, $250 on the second and $500 on the third or consecutive offenses.
Fraser’s Ordinance requires people to wear a mask when entering and inside local businesses, as well as outside when a six-foot distance can’t be maintained.
Winter Park’s Ordinance mandates people wear masks when entering and while inside businesses, as well as when six-feet of distance can’t be maintained in public places.
Testing in Grand County
Middle Park Health and Denver Health both do testing of symptomatic patients. Middle Park Health is also offering antibody testing and testing for non-symptomatic individuals. Prices for walk-in cash pay patients (no order required) are $50 for antibody test and $100 for the nasal swab.
Please understand that some antibody tests are resulting in what are known as “false positives.” Furthermore, negative results do not rule out the potential for infection and may offer a false sense of security. Thus, we encourage everyone to be very cautious about results from an antibody test and understand that the test does not guarantee immunity. You should continue to follow all recommended precautions to avoid catching or spreading COVID-19, even if you think you have had COVID-19 in the past or if you’ve gotten a positive result from an antibody test.
