COVID-19 HHRC Update: Growing Number of COVID-19 Cases
Growing Number of COVID-19 Cases
GRAND COUNTY, CO – On September 30 and October 1, 2020, Grand County Public Health (GCPH), along with Middle Park Health (MPH) and West Grand School District, announced a series of new confirmed cases. At the time, there were nine (9) confirmed positive cases at Cliffview Assisted Living Center and two (2) confirmed cases at West Grand High School.
Today, Grand County Public Health confirmed an increase of 12 new cases. Ten (10) cases are related to Cliffview and the other two (2) are still under investigation. GCPH and the COVID IMT have been working closely with MPH and Cliffview Assisted Living since March of 2020. MPH and Cliffview filed a COVID-19 Suppression Plan with the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) in April of 2020. After review, it was determined that the plan met all the requirements of long-term care facilities. Collaboration has resulted in the institution of all appropriate Center for Disease Control (CDC), Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and CDPHE preventative measures. During other possible exposures as well as the current situation, GCPH, MPH and Cliffview have successfully worked together to contact trace and contain the virus spread as best as possible.
With the increasing case numbers, it is important to emphasize everyone’s responsibilities related to this pandemic. COVID-19 suppression is a collective community responsibility. Everyone must play their part and is especially vital in the midst of rising case rates. The job of GCPH is to collaborate and provide guidance for all businesses and industries in Grand County.
- It is the responsibility of individual businesses to adopt and hold themselves accountable to the guidance & regulations. Enforcement from GCPH is an option, but compliance is the expectation.
With Summer coming to an end, it is time to start thinking about our upcoming winter season. Winter recreation is a huge economic driver in Grand County and the last thing we want to do is close down again. It is imperative that all members of our community take the necessary precautions to prevent further surges in COVID-19 cases.
- Wear face coverings in public areas
- Limit gatherings to small groups, do not congregate
- Anyone showing signs or symptoms of being sick must stay home
- Employers should conduct symptom screenings of all employees daily
- Limit, where possible, all high and medium risk interactions
- Practice good personal hygiene (wash hands frequently, cover coughs, do not touch your face)
- Protect our vulnerable populations like the elderly and people with pre-existing conditions
- Maintain 6-foot distancing from others
- Increase ventilation as much as possible in all facilities
- Frequently sanitize high touch surfaces using cleaning and sanitizing products that meet EPA standards and CDC requirements.
GCPH has also compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions that may be helpful if you have questions related to a variety of topics: General FAQs, School FAQs, Business FAQs, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) COVID-19 FAQs, and COVID-19 Definitions. Check out these documents here.
