COVID-19 HHRC Update: What We Do & Don’t Know
May 4, 2020 6:00 pm
Information shared from Grand Country Public Health https://www.co.grand.co.us/COVID19
What We Do Know
- Coloradans are strongly advised to continue staying at home to the greatest extent possible, only interacting with household contacts and only leaving for essential activities.
- At-risk individuals, such as people 65 and older, should continue to stay at home unless absolutely necessary.
- Masks must be worn by workers; masks/face coverings are highly encouraged for the general public.
- Local businesses can require customers to wear masks inside their businesses.
- Personal services such as hair salons and dog grooming are open with strict precautions.
- Non-critical, office-based businesses and retail such as administrative offices are open at 50% occupancy.
- Social gatherings of more than 10 people (not of the same household) are prohibited.
- Only essential travel in- or out-of-state is permitted.
- When you go out, you must follow physical distancing requirements (6 feet of space between yourself and others).
- Restaurants are open for delivery, curbside pick-up, carry-out, but on-premise dining is closed.
- On-premise drinking establishments (bars, brew pubs, wineries, tasting rooms) are closed.
- Campgrounds, picnic areas and playgrounds are closed.
- Businesses that are open and receiving customers must complete the COVID-19 Compliance Verification Form and post signage prior to receiving customers.
What We Do NOT Know
- What June and July look like regarding travel in- or out-of-state.
- If campgrounds, short-term lodging (private, vacation-style, homeowner, private residence rentals) will be open after May 26 or if Governor Polis will extend the restriction.
- If restaurants will be able to open for in-house dining after May 26 or if Governor Polis will extend the restriction.
- When gatherings of more than 10 people will be allowed.
- When we will have a vaccine for COVID-19.
- If antibody testing is a reliable form of testing, and if it is, will it be made available.
- What will happen with virus spread as we begin to open more businesses and see more people intermingling in the community.
- If Grand County’s personal protective equipment (PPE) supply chain is sustainable.
- What the impact of Safer at Home will be, what the data will show, and if the actions taken will be enough to begin easing restrictions or tightening them.
We are aware that the public has many questions related to Governor Polis’ Safer At Home Executive Order and the associated CDPHE Safer At Home Public Health Order. Thankfully, the State has created a webpage to address many of those questions. Visit the Safer At Home FAQ page at covid19.colorado.gov/safer-at-home-faq. For all other things unknown, rest assured that we are doing our best to prepare.
No matter what may come, together we will get through this. #GrandCountyStrong
May 1, 2020 6:00 pm
Information shared from Grand Country Public Health https://www.co.grand.co.us/COVID19
COVID-19 Update
Because clinical diagnoses can be made based on symptoms and evident exposure without performing a test, the number of positive cases reported may increase without an equivalent increase in tests performed.
What is Safer at Home?
Coloradans are no longer ordered to stay home but are strongly advised to stay at home. The change from Stay-at-Home to Safer at Home is about establishing a more sustainable way of living for Coloradans during this pandemic. While at the Safer at Home level, it is still important for Coloradans to continue staying home as much as possible. Critical businesses are open, and limited non-critical businesses are operating with strict precautions in place. If you need to go out, you should follow physical distancing requirements (6 feet of space between yourself and others) and wear a face covering for necessary activities like grocery shopping. Scarves and bandanas will work as coverings as long as you wash your face covering regularly. All workers must wear medical or non-medical face coverings that cover the mouth and nose while at work, except where doing so would inhibit their health. Vulnerable people at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should follow Stay-at-Home recommendations, which means only leaving home for medical care and essential activities.
Business Compliance
Any business, public or private gathering, or organized recreation that intends to open or take place while any of state and local public health orders remain in place must also comply with the Grand County COVID-19 Mitigation and Suppression Plan. In complying with that plan, businesses, employers, and sole proprietors shall submit a Compliance Verification Form through Grand County Public Health and display approved acceptance documentation prior to opening and receiving customers. Beginning on May 1, Non-Critical Retail will be able to allow customers onsite if they are in accordance with mandatory Social Distancing Requirements, similar to the requirements for critical retail. Personal services that are in compliance with Safer at Home requirements can resume as well under strict guidelines. The COVID-19 Compliance Verification Form can be found on the Grand County website at co.grand.co.us/saferathome.
Travel
We are asking Coloradans to follow the orders and not try to find loopholes. As the governor has said time and again, we are in a pandemic, not on a vacation. Travelling more than 10 miles from your home for recreation can stress hospitals in smaller communities. Both the Executive Order and Public Health Order have flexibility around the 10-mile recommendation as it may not be practical in every part of the state (e.g. less populated areas where residents need to travel further for critical retail and critical services). Please do not take a “Colorado vacation” or go to your second home. Limit activities to your immediate community and do not travel to mountain areas or the Western Slope. This is to prevent disease spread and keep our rural communities healthy.
Safer at Home FAQs
We are aware that the public has many questions related to Governor Polis’ Safer At Home Executive Order and the associated CDPHE Safer At Home Public Health Order. Thankfully, the State has created a webpage to address many of those questions. Visit the Safer At Home FAQ page at covid19.colorado.gov/safer-at-home-faq. Please be safe and have a healthy, happy weekend!!
April 29, 2020 8:00 pm
Information shared from Grand Country Public Health https://www.co.grand.co.us/COVID19
Grand County Advocates
Grand County Advocates is a local organization working to end domestic violence and sexual assault in Grand County and to provide a safe place to grow violence-free. The agency serves victims of all racial, social, ethnic, religious, sexual orientations, and gender expressions among all economic groups, ages, and lifestyles.
Some of the comprehensive services Grand County Advocates provides on a day-to-day basis include:
►24-hour Confidential Crisis Line
►Emergency Safe housing
►Safe housing at Sprout House
►Safety Planning, Support Services
►On and Off Scene Crisis Intervention
►Courtroom Advocacy
►Assistance With Restraining Orders
►Medical Advocacy
►Counseling Referrals and Assistance
►Relocation Assistance
►Referrals and Information
►Community Outreach and Education
►Support Group
►Address Confidentiality Assistance.
If you need to reach out for help, please do not hesitate to call Grand County Advocates’ 24-hour Helpline at 970-725-3412.
Tourism Message from the State
Colorado is in the Safer at Home phase of its COVID-19 response that allows for a limited re-opening of businesses that adhere to strict social distancing and safety guidelines. Bars, restaurants (dining in) and nightclubs are among those that have NOT re-opened. There is no definitive way to predict when they will re-open or how this will affect summer travel plans. We recommend keeping your plans fluid, researching county restrictions before you travel, and becoming familiar with reservation cancellation policies.
Colorado has seen success in flattening the curve, but everyone’s continued daily preventative actions are critical in reducing the spread of the virus and ensuring safety for everyone.
Popular Q&As
Is it OK to go outside and exercise or play?
The Safer-at-Home Order states “all individuals currently living within the State of Colorado are encouraged to stay at home and avoid unnecessary interactions whenever possible. It is physically and mentally healthy to be outdoors. Should you decide to recreate, you should stay close to home and choose times and places where you can maintain 6 feet of physical distance between yourself and others. Travel for recreational purposes should be limited to your own community like your county of residence or traveling no more than about 10 miles.”
- Playgrounds, playground equipment, and gymnasiums remain closed. Gymnasiums include fitness, dance, exercise or group classes, exercise studios and centers, recreation centers, bowling alleys, pools, and other indoor athletic facilities.
- Personal training and classes in any setting limited to 4 or fewer individuals complying with Social Distancing Requirements and does not utilize any shared equipment are allowed.
- Team sports and mass recreation are not allowed under the current Safer at Home Order.
Can Coloradans hold public or private gatherings?
While the Safer-at-Home phase is in effect, gatherings in both public and private spaces of more than 10 people are prohibited. We advise continuing to only socialize with members of your household. Any gatherings of 10 or fewer people outside your household should adhere to all Social Distancing requirements.
April 28, 2020 7:30 pm
Information shared from Grand Country Public Health https://www.co.grand.co.us/COVID19
COVID-19 Mitigation and Suppression Plan
Grand County Public Health issued a Standing Public Health Order Implementing the COVID-19 Mitigation and Suppression Plan on Monday, April 27, 2020. This order aligns with Governor Polis’ Safer at Home Executive Order and CDPHE Safer at Home Public Health Order released on April 26. The Public Health Order is effective within the entirety of Grand County, including all towns within Grand County. The Public Health Order became effective immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.
Business Compliance
Any business, public or private gathering, or organized recreation that intends to open or take place while any of state and local public health orders remain in place must also comply with the Grand County COVID-19 Mitigation and Suppression Plan. In complying with that plan, businesses, employers, and sole proprietors shall submit a Compliance Verification Form through Grand County Public Health and display approved acceptance documentation prior to opening and receiving customers. The COVID-19 Compliance Verification Form can be found on the Grand County website at co.grand.co.us/saferathome.
Reopening Dates
The COVID-19 Response Team has put together a list of Grand County Reopening Dates for the public to view. The list is a working document that includes Governor Polis’ dates (per the Safer At Home Order), Grand County dates, and the “Most Restrictive Dates”. Businesses must comply with the “Most Restrictive Date”. It is very important for businesses to verify their specific ‘reopening’ date. Business owners may complete the COVID-19 Compliance Verification Form prior to the date of ‘reopening’, but they may NOT open until the approved date. Check it out at docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nMAI5YQ7JyDW0_gjcCmh89O1jPxDAmz04GNQ6FaAwbA/edit#gid=0.
Safer at Home FAQs
We are aware that the public has many questions related to Governor Polis’ Safer At Home Executive Order and the associated CDPHE Safer At Home Public Health Order. Thankfully, the State has created a webpage to address many of those questions. Visit the Safer At Home FAQ page at covid19.colorado.gov/safer-at-home-faq.
Short Term Rental Clarification
On April 24, GCPH extended its Short Term Lodging Order prohibiting short-term lodging facilities (hotels, motels, and short term rentals) from operating through May 21, 2020. The intent was to allow all lodging operations in the county to open in time for Memorial Day Weekend. Then, on April 26, the Governor and CDPHE came out with their Safer At Home Orders. The CDPHE Order states that “critical accommodation” includes hotels and motels but excludes short term rentals and other privately-owned residences for rent. Thus, because the more restrictive dates rules, hotels and motels will be allowed to open on May 22, but STRS, HOMEOWNERS RENTALS, AND PRIVATELY-OWNED RESIDENCES FOR RENT SHALL REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL AT LEAST MAY 26 (per the Governor’s Order).
April 27, 2020 8:00 pm
Information shared from Grand Country Public Health https://www.co.grand.co.us/COVID19
Grand County Issues Public Health Order to Implement COVID-19 Mitigation and Suppression Plan
GRAND COUNTY, CO – Grand County Public Health issued a Standing Public Health Order Implementing the COVID-19 Mitigation and Suppression Plan on Monday, April 27, 2020. It is meant to provide our community with necessary procedures as we move through the various, potentially fluctuating, phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to assist and guide the citizens of Grand County in a safe and efficient transition. This order aligns with Governor Polis’ Safer at Home Executive Order and CDPHE Safer at Home Public Health Order, both of which were implemented yesterday, April 26. The Public Health Order is effective within the entirety of Grand County, including all towns within Grand County. The Public Health Order will become effective immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.
Any business, public or private gathering, or organized recreation that intends to open or take place while the Governor’s and CDPHE’s COVID-19 “Safer at Home” and other state and local public health orders remain in place must also comply with the Grand County COVID-19 Mitigation and Suppression Plan. Compliance includes:
- Businesses, employers and sole proprietors shall comply with business requirements, best practices and guidance established by GCPH and the CDPHE. Guidance documents can be found at co.grand.co.us/saferathome.
- Businesses, employers and sole proprietors shall submit a Compliance Verification Form through Grand County Public Health and display approved acceptance documentation prior to opening and receiving customers. The COVID-19 Compliance Verification Form can be found at co.grand.co.us/saferathome.
- Any business, public or private gathering, or organized recreation that is not in compliance with this and other applicable State and local public health orders shall cease operation or activity.
Grand County has been doing a great job following the Stay-at-Home order, and now we must follow the Safer at Home order. The virus is still present in Colorado and can re-surge at any time. Everyone needs to do their part for themselves, their loved ones, and our community. We have a responsibility to ourselves and to each other to protect our state and our community.
For questions regarding Grand County’s COVID-19 response please contact the Grand County Joint Information Center at 970-725-3803 or email [email protected]. For questions about the state’s Safer at Home order, visit covid19.colorado.gov/safer-at-home-faq.
To report violations of this Order or others, please visit co.grand.co.us/violation.
April 26, 2020 8:00 pm
Information shared from Grand Country Public Health https://www.co.grand.co.us/COVID19
COVID-19 Update
Because clinical diagnoses can be made based on symptoms and evident exposure without performing a test, the number of positive cases reported may increase without an equivalent increase in tests performed.
Grand County’s Short Term Lodging Order has been extended through May 21. Read Order
Unified Effort is Key
While there are no easy solutions, we must continue working together. The only way for this to be successful is for us, Grand County as a whole, to remain united. This includes County government, all municipalities and all businesses and residents. We cannot stress enough how important this is for the health of our community and the success of our reopening plans.
Safer at Home
Tomorrow, April 27, the state will be moving into the “Safer at Home” phase. Even though Coloradans will no longer be ordered to stay home, there are many things that will not change. Nursing Homes and Congregate Care Facilities will need to abide by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s amended public health order implementing mitigation measures restricting access, and now requiring the submission of a COVID-19 prevention and response plan by May 1, 2020. Higher Education and K-12 schools will remain closed through the end of the regular school year. Vulnerable populations should continue to stay at home.
Grand County COVID-19 Mitigation and Suppression Plan
Businesses throughout Grand County will be able to open on a very limited and restrictive basis according to the plan developed by GCPH and the IMT. The plan is intended to provide a phased approach to guide resumption of business practices and suppress the spread of COVID-19 in Grand County. GCPH and the IMT developed the plan to keep the citizens of Grand County safe, in a viable and sustainable way. Each phase of the plan indicates necessary policies and precautions that align with the criteria put in place. It is intentionally designed to be a slow process to prevent widespread disease and to not exceed the capabilities of our rural healthcare system.
Please continue taking the appropriate precautions to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Stay at home unless it is critical to conduct a necessary activity. If you must leave your home, wear a face covering and maintain a minimum of six feet between you and others. Workers at essential businesses, including retail food operators, must face coverings while at work and gloves when in contact with customers or goods. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
April 24, 2020 7:00 pm
Information shared from Grand Country Public Health https://www.co.grand.co.us/COVID19
COVID-19 Update
Because clinical diagnoses can be made based on symptoms and evident exposure without performing a test, the number of positive cases reported may increase without an equivalent increase in tests performed.
Contrary to what has been reported, Grand County has never issued a Stay-at-Home Order and it has NOT been extended. However, Grand County’s Short Term Lodging Order HAS been extended through May 21.
Public Health Order for Short-Term Lodging Extended
Today Grand County Public Health (GCPH) issued a Public Health Order extending the Short-Term Lodging Order to May 21, 2020. This Public Health Order is effective within the entirety of Grand County, including all towns within Grand County. The order prohibits all Short-Term Lodging (STR) operations from operating and taking new reservations until May 21, 2020. Please note, during this time, STR operations may continue to take reservations that commense May 22 or thereafter (keeping in mind that, should increased disease transmission become an issue, the Order could be extended beyond May 21). STR operations include, but are not limited to, campgrounds (whether private or government operated), reserved camping sites, hotels, motels, bed and breakfast establishments, lodges, retreats and “short-term rentals” (30 days or less). Exceptions include, but are not limited to, housing for essential workers such as construction and healthcare employees, housing for individuals caring for vulnerable populations, and individuals staying for longer than 30 days. All exceptions are subject to approval from the Grand County Public Health Director.
“Reopening” Plan Coming Soon
GCPH and the COVID-19 Response Team are working on a “Reopening” Plan (Grand County COVID-19 Mitigation and Suppression Plan) that will be released within the next few days. The Plan outlines a phased approach to reopening our county in a slow and controlled manner. Please stay tuned to Grand County Public Health on Facebook and co.grand.co.us/covid19 for more details as they become available.
Facts about COVID-19 in Colorado
- Modeling estimates suggest that 65,000-75,000 Coloradans have or have had COVID-19.
- As of April 24, only 12,256 of these people have been positively identified.
- Many people are either symptomatic and self-isolating at home or are asymptomatic/pre-symptomatic and are not aware they are sick.
- You should assume everyone you meet and everything you touch is infected with COVID-19.
- You can protect yourself by continuing to stay at home unless performing necessary activities, wearing a face covering in public, washing your hands with soap and water regularly, using hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available, not touching your face, not congregating in groups of 10 or more, and maintaining six feet between you and others.
April 23, 2020 8:00 pm
Information shared from Grand Country Public Health https://www.co.grand.co.us/COVID19
COVID-19 Update
Because clinical diagnoses can be made based on symptoms and evident exposure without performing a test, the number of positive cases reported may increase without an equivalent increase in tests performed.
April 22, 2020 8:00 pm
Information shared from Grand Country Public Health https://www.co.grand.co.us/COVID19
Unified Effort is Key
While there are no easy solutions, we must continue working together. The only way for this to be successful is for us, Grand County as a whole, to remain united. This includes County government, all municipalities and all businesses and residents. We cannot stress enough how important this is for the health of our community and the success of our reopening plans. We appreciate your patience as we work toward a unified plan.
Safer at Home
On April 27, the state will be moving into the “Safer at Home” phase. Even though Coloradans will no longer be ordered to stay home, there are many things that will not change. Nursing Homes and Congregate Care Facilities will need to abide by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s amended public health order implementing mitigation measures restricting access, and now requiring the submission of a COVID-19 prevention and response plan by May 1, 2020. Higher Education and K-12 schools will remain closed through the end of the regular school year. Vulnerable populations should continue to stay at home.
Other businesses and services will be provided strict precautionary measures defined by Grand County Public Health (GCPH) and the COVID-19 Response Incident Management Team (IMT). Our Team has drafted a COVID-19 Suppression Plan that outlines the phased approach and community expectations. While the plan for Grand County takes into account the state’s and other surrounding counties’ plans, it is customized to fit our unique community. The plan will be provided to stakeholders and community partners prior to it being released to the general public.
Here is some more information about what Safer at Home is and is NOT:
Grand County COVID-19 Suppression Plan
Businesses throughout Grand County will be able to open on a very limited and restrictive basis according to the plan developed by GCPH and the IMT. The plan is intended to provide a phased approach to guide resumption of business practices and suppress the spread of COVID-19 in Grand County. GCPH and the IMT developed the plan to keep the citizens of Grand County safe, in a viable and sustainable way. Each phase of the plan indicates necessary policies and precautions that align with the criteria put in place. It is intentionally designed to be a slow process to prevent widespread disease and to not exceed the capabilities of our rural healthcare system.
Please continue taking the appropriate precautions to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Stay at home unless it is critical to conduct a necessary activity. If you must leave your home, wear a face covering and maintain a minimum of six feet between you and others. Workers at essential businesses, including retail food operators, must face coverings while at work and gloves when in contact with customers or goods. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
April 21, 2020 8:00 pm
Information shared from Grand Country Public Health https://www.co.grand.co.us/COVID19
COVID-19 Update
Two of the positives are considered probable positives and are not included in the total tests performed.
Confirmed Positive
Today Grand County Public Health (GCPH) was notified of a patient residing in Grand County who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 by their primary healthcare provider. In accordance with the adjusted case definition, a diagnosis was able to be defined without a test, based on epidemiologic investigations and symptoms. This brings the total positive cases in Grand County to five.
GCPH is investigating this case and is contacting everyone with very close, prolonged contact with the patient 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.
Safer at Home
On April 27, the state will be moving into the “Safer at Home” phase. During this phase Coloradans will no longer be ordered to stay home, but are still strongly encouraged to do so. The Grand County COVID-19 Incident Management Team (IMT) is still developing the plan for the reopening phase in Grand County. Nursing Homes and Congregate Care Facilities will need to abide by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s amended order requiring the submission of a COVID-19 prevention and response plan by May 1, 2020. Higher Education and K-12 schools will remain closed. Other businesses and services will be provided strict precautionary measures defined by GCPH. Our Team will be providing those guidelines tomorrow.
Please continue taking the appropriate precautions to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Stay at home unless it is critical to conduct a necessary activity. If you must leave your home, wear a face covering and maintain a minimum of six feet between you and others. Workers at essential businesses, including retail food operators, must wear medical or non-medical face coverings while at work and gloves when in contact with customers or goods. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
