COVID-19 HHRC Update: Message Restaurants, Safer at Home, and Tips for Parents
April 20, 2020 6:00 pm
Information shared from Grand Country Public Health https://www.co.grand.co.us/COVID19
Message to Restaurants
Moving forward, continue to follow CDPHE’s heightened cleaning recommendations and rules allowing for take-out and delivery. CDPHE has also published recommendations for non-medical facemask use in retail food settings as well as safe glove use when handling food. The State Emergency Operations Center and the Governor’s Office are working with industries to develop guidance for reopening retail food establishments. This information will be distributed when it is available.
Safer at Home
As the Governor’s orders expire, we need to take a very cautious and tiered approach to “reopening”. Our Team continues discussions with Grand County Public Health (GCPH), Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE), neighboring counties and business leaders to prepare for the coming weeks and months. As people begin to travel and interact and until we are able to implement mass testing, it will be very important that everyone continue practicing social distancing measures to help avoid a spike in cases. If an increase in disease is detected before a vaccine is available, social distancing may need to ramp up again. Even though the statewide stay-at-home order will be expiring on April 27, we cannot stress enough that it is SAFER TO STAY AT HOME, especially the elderly and immunocompromised.
Please continue taking the appropriate precautions to help us 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.
Tips for Parents
COVID-19 has made a huge impact on Grand County, and it may be difficult to adjust to various lifestyle changes. Parents may be out of work or working from home while children are out of school or daycare. As a parent or caregiver, you may find yourself not knowing how to communicate with your child about COVID-19. Below are some simple tips to help support children during the ongoing pandemic. Visit www.childlife.org/resources/covid-19-resources for more information.
- Honesty & Simplicity: Create a space of openness and honesty and allow your child to ask any questions or share feelings they might have. Refrain from saying “It’s not a big deal.” Instead you can say things such as: “It is okay to feel scared, and we are doing everything we can to stay safe.”
- Reflect & Express: Create a safe space for reflection and provide different outlets for expressing emotions.
- Health & Hygiene: Use discussions about the virus and safety to teach and celebrate proper hygiene.
- Control & Consistency: Create a daily schedule. This will allow for more opportunities to cope with changes in routine and reflect on how they can better use their time at home.
- Do Your Part Together: This is a great time to sit down as a family and come up with new ways to help the community around you and find new ways to spend time with friends and loved ones.
COVID-19 Update
April 19, 2020 6:00 pm
Information shared from Grand Country Public Health https://www.co.grand.co.us/COVID19
Two of the positives are considered probable positives and are not included in the total tests performed.
The Grand County COVID-19 Response Team remains cautiously optimistic that Grand County has skirted the statewide peak of COVID-19 cases. It is important to realize that Grand County has been fairly sheltered from COVID-19 and our community is still susceptible to the illness. Even though there has yet to be any hospitalized cases locally, plans for various isolation and surge facilities remain in place and are ready if needed.
The Team has spent extensive time with Grand County Public Health (GCPH), Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE), neighboring counties and business leaders in our own community discussing how best to ease back into normal business operations in the coming weeks and months. Until our community is able to implement mass testing, we need to take a very cautious and tiered approach. We anticipate that if the Governor’s orders are allowed to expire, businesses that require limited physical/personal interaction will be able to open back up. Our team will need to carefully observe the Grand County community as our citizens and visitors begin to travel and intermingle. The key to success will be Grand County’s willingness to commit to the precautions used for mitigation. Such precautions include maintaining a minimum of six feet between people and washing hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. The more committed our community members are, the more successful our move to normalcy will be.
Face Covering Requirements
Governor Polis signed an Executive Order on Friday, April 17, ordering workers at essential businesses to wear medical or non-medical face coverings while at work and wear gloves (if gloves are provided by an employer) when in contact with customers or goods. A list of essential businesses can be found at www.co.grand.co.us/essentialbusiness.
Click below to view video:
If you or your employees are in need of face coverings, please email your request to [email protected]. If you are willing and able to make and donate cloth face masks for Grand County community members in need, please drop them off at any of the following locations: Safeway in Fraser, City Market in Granby, Mountain Food Market in Grand Lake, Sheriff’s Office Foyer in Hot Sulphur Springs, and Kremmling Mercantile. We are in need of smaller, child-sized masks as well.
Symptom Tracker
CDPHE has launched a short survey for Coloradoans to self-report their symptoms if they are sick and unable to get a test. Although the data collected using this survey cannot replace official case data confirmed by testing, it provides information that will help public health officials track outbreaks that could be imminent in a given area.
If you are feeling symptoms related to COVID-19, such as fever, dry cough, or shortness of breath, we ask that you please report those symptoms using the symptom tracker and enter into self-isolation. This will help public health officials understand when outbreaks are occurring in given locations and, in some cases, allow them to follow up with certain individuals who may need additional support. Knowing about potential outbreaks can help inform decisions as we discuss plans for reopening businesses and normal daily functions in our County. The symptom tracker can be found here.
April 17, 2020 6:00 pm
Information shared from Grand Country Public Health https://www.co.grand.co.us/COVID19
The Grand County COVID-19 Incident Management Team (IMT), Grand County Public Health (GCPH) and their partners have been working to define what “reopening” will look like in our community. While it will not be an easy task, our team is undertaking this challenge with two overarching guidelines; to do no harm and to highlight science and data rather than political opinions, using the right tools at the right time. GCPH and the Healthcare branch are in the process of determining what the benchmarks will be for moving forward with or retracting restrictions. The IMT, the Business Emergency Response Team (BERT), and all the town chambers have been engaged with local businesses for insight on challenges and capabilities moving forward.
Business Emergency Response Team (BERT)
Communities have been heavily impacted by coronavirus-related closures. It is clear that jobs in the hospitality and tourism sector are the highest impacted statewide. Grand County has had 546 unemployment claims in the past month with an average of six claims per week. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance has expanded unemployment benefits for those who do not qualify for state unemployment insurance but are unemployed as a result of COVID-19. Those who are self-employed, independent contractors or are otherwise ineligible for traditional unemployment benefits will be able to start applying for benefits on Monday, April 20, 2020.
BERT is asking for participation in their Grand County Community Survey to better understand and quantify the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on our community. The survey should take less than ten minutes to complete. BERT will be using the responses to position Grand County for recovery assistance from federal, state, and local agencies, post-pandemic. All responses are anonymous and the data collected will only be reported on the aggregate. After you complete the survey, you will be entered into a drawing to win $100 cash prizes.
To take the survey, please visit: workingrand.com/covid-resources/business-recovery/
2020 Census
Now, more than ever, we want to encourage people to respond to the 2020 Census. The 2020 Census counts every person living in the United States. By law, your response cannot be used against you or against anyone else by any government agency or courts. Furthermore, it cannot be accessed by police departments, DHS, ICE, FBI, or CIA. Data collected through the census helps determine where to build new schools, hospitals, and businesses; informs the allocation of more than $675 billion in federal funding to states and communities each year; and determines how many representatives each state receives in Congress.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the delivery of 2020 Census invitations to physical addresses has been suspended. However, residents are able to respond without a Census ID. To respond online, visit 2020census.gov. To respond by phone, call 844-330-2020 for English and 844-468-2020 for Spanish, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week. After you complete the 2020 Census, send a copy of your response receipt, proof of physical address matching the response receipt, and a mailing address to Grand County’s Complete Count Committee Chair at [email protected] to receive a $25 VISA gift card, while supplies last.
April 16, 2020 6:30 pm
Information shared from Grand Country Public Health https://www.co.grand.co.us/COVID19
The COVID-19 Response Team’s Community Mitigation Branch, composed of governmental and nonprofit human service organizations, is hard at work responding to community needs. We encourage people to access assistance now in order to set your family up for future months. Please visit www.healthygrandcounty.org for current COVID-19 resources and access to all of the following organizations.
Grand County Human Services (970-725-3331) co.grand.co.us/260/Human-Services
The Grand County Department of Human Services (GCDHS) works to enhance the capacity of families to care for themselves and to protect vulnerable populations. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides money to families in need to purchase food at local grocery stores. You may enroll online at coloradopeak.secure.force.com/mhome, but PLEASE make sure you include accurate contact information, such as phone and mailing address, so GCDHS can process your application.
Grand County Rural Health Network (970-725-3477) www.gcruralhealth.com
The Grand County Rural Health Network is committed to advocating for, and supporting, the health of all people living in Grand County, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, religion, immigration status, age, disability, national origin, marital, military, or financial status. They believe everyone has the right to healthcare and to understand how to access that care. Many people may have lost their insurance coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you now have little or no income, please apply for Medicaid at coloradopeak.secure.force.com/mhome. Please note – you can apply for Medicaid and SNAP at the same time. Call with any questions!
Mountain Family Center (970-557-3186) www.mountainfamilycenter.org
Mountain Family Center is the community’s go-to resource for food, housing, and utility assistance. MFC has expanded its food bank hours in Granby (Monday-Friday, 9am to 3pm) and in Kremmling (Monday-Friday, 10am to 2pm). MFC is providing drive-through food pick-up in compliance with social distancing practices. Please call MFC if you are unable to pick up food pantry items, as they may be able to deliver. You can also call for housing, utility and SNAP assistance.
Economic Impact Stimulus Payment
Economic stimulus payments have started to arrive for people who filed taxes in 2018 or 2019. If you have filed taxes, but do not have direct deposit, you should receive a check in the mail. If you do not file taxes because your income does not require it, visit www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments to file your information and get your stimulus payment. Visit getaheadcolorado.org/2020/04/07/economic-impact-stimulus-payment-faq for additional information.
April 15, 2020 6:00 pm
COVID-19 Information shared from Grand Country Public Health https://www.co.grand.co.us/COVID19
Healthcare Providers
Primary healthcare providers throughout the county are offering different options for services. All of Middle Park Health’s campuses, Denver Health in Winter Park, Fraser Medical Clinic, and Byers Peak Family Medicine are offering telemedicine options and in-person care. Please call prior to visiting any provider, as services and operational hours vary. Let your primary care provider know if you are concerned about payment. They can connect you with resources such as A.C.H.E.S. & P.A.I.N.S. vouchers from the Grand County Rural Health Network for our low-income and uninsured residents. For Coloradans who lose their jobs and their health insurance, coverage through the Connect for Health Colorado website is available: www.connectforhealthco.com
COVID-19 Care
The Grand County COVID-19 Incident Management Team (IMT), Grand County Public Health (GCPH) and partners have been assessing all levels of needs for COVID-19 patients to ensure our facilities are not overwhelmed. Whether a patient is isolating at home, needing an ambulance transport, or is hospitalized, our team has planned for it. The extensive planning process involves determining patient care levels, protocol, procedures, staffing, financing, resource supplies, and coordination between entities. The Isolation Care Facility at the Vintage Hotel is an excellent example of this planning. As a result of the cooperation between the IMT, Grand County, Middle Park Health, Denver Health, and Winter Park Resort, the hotel is ready to be used for patients who are not able to return to their homes during their isolation period and have received a referral from their healthcare provider.
Testing Capabilities
Through partnerships with GCPH, Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE), Denver Health, and Middle Park Health, testing capabilities have been improved county-wide. Similar to the rest of the nation, Grand County has not had the ability to test a lot of people. As of Tuesday, April 14, Grand County had tested 0.5% of the county and the State of Colorado had tested 0.7% of the state. Despite the low number of tests so far, the good news is that criteria for testing has changed to include symptoms. In addition to broadening criteria for testing, the case definition for COVID-19 has also changed. Previously, COVID-19 was primarily diagnosed with a test. However, in accordance with the new standard, a diagnosis can also be defined without a test, based on epidemiologic investigations and symptoms. Because of these changes, it is important to keep in mind that testing numbers will increase. Additionally, we may see more positive cases reported without an equivalent increase in the number of tests performed.
COVID-19 Blues
If you are stressed, anxious, lonely, depressed, angry, or all of the above, you are not alone. We are in this together, and caring mental health professionals are available if you need to talk. Just call 877-519-7505. MindSpringsHealth.org/COVID and Facebook.com/MindSpringsHealth offer self-guided meditations, soothing self-care exercises, and coping and resiliency skills, with new resources added every day. All Mind Springs Health offices are open for business virtually, providing services by video or over the phone. Call 970-887-2179 to learn more or to make an appointment.
Stay healthy. Stay strong Grand County! Although we have had very few positive COVID-19 cases to date in the county, it’s important to “hold the line”! That means continue to stay home. Stay safe.
April 14, 2020 7:00 pm
Information shared from Grand Country Public Health https://www.co.grand.co.us/COVID19
Recovery Response Plan
Recovering a community after a disaster, much less a pandemic, requires extensive coordination. Our team has been organizing, planning, and analyzing what it would look like to “reopen” our community. However, this will not be something as easy as turning on a light switch. Recovery is going to be a long process, and it will be important to do it in a controlled and tiered manner. While testing has been identified as a crucial component to moving forward, it is also worth examining the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical methods. Non-pharmaceutical methods include things like personal protective equipment (PPE), face coverings, and social distancing. Until a vaccine is readily available, many precautions will need to be put in place in addition to improving testing capabilities. Our team will be reaching out to the community for input on needs and establishing best practices as well as meeting with towns, chambers, and special districts to ensure we have a coordinated recovery plan.
Finance Recovery
Declaring an Emergency is done primarily with the intent of applying for a Federal Relief Grant provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Our team, with the help of local partners, has been proactive in regards to FEMA reimbursements, by tracking expenditures and lost revenues related to COVID-19.
Community Resources
Our Team has also been assessing the economic challenges that our community members face and ensuring resources are accessible. While navigating through the various resources available can be a daunting task, many organizations have been working in tandem to help guide people through the process.
April 13, 2020 7:00 pm
Information shared from Grand Country Public Health https://www.co.grand.co.us/COVID19
Do Not Make Your Own Sanitizer
“The best way to prevent the spread of infections and decrease the risk of getting sick is by washing your hands with plain soap and water”, advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is essential, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing one’s nose. You should use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, only if soap and water are not available.
While many retail stores and pharmacies sell hand sanitizers, we understand that many stores have run out and it may be difficult to find. To help increase the availability of hand sanitizers, the FDA has issued guidance for the temporary preparation of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, to be used solely by select companies and pharmacies. The FDA has also issued guidance for the temporary manufacture of alcohol by alcohol producers to use as the active ingredient in hand sanitizer products. However, it is strongly advised that consumers not make their own hand sanitizer. If made incorrectly, hand sanitizer can be ineffective, and there have been reports of skin burns from homemade hand sanitizer. The select companies and pharmacies making hand sanitizer have the appropriate skills and training to synthesize the product properly.
Do not use disinfectant sprays or wipes on your skin because they may cause skin and eye irritation. Disinfectant sprays or wipes are not intended for use on humans or animals. Disinfectant sprays or wipes are intended for use on hard, non-porous surfaces. Do not add alcohol to an existing non-alcohol hand sanitizer as it is unlikely to result in an effective product.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children is better known as the WIC Program. The program serves to safeguard the health of low-income pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women as well as infants and children under five who are at nutritional risk. The following benefits are provided to WIC participants: supplemental nutritious foods, nutrition education and counseling, screening and referrals to other health, welfare and social services. Your family may be eligible for all the great benefits Colorado WIC provides. You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to be eligible for the WIC program. Find out if you are eligible at www.coloradowic.gov/eligibility. To apply, complete a referral form or call 970-363-6692 and a local WIC staff member will contact you. Currently, all appointments are being completed over the phone.
Senior Nutrition and Mom’s Meals
Grand County Public Health temporarily suspended congregate meals for seniors due to the current Public Health Orders, but they have replaced it by providing their clients with totes containing a three-day supply of shelf-stable food. Since March 16, they have passed out 121 totes; about 21 totes per week. Grand County Public Health is also encouraging anyone 60 years and older to sign up for the Mom’s Meals program. The program delivers four meals a week directly to your home via Fedex. They are refrigerated, fresh meals that are ready to heat and eat. Clients receive eight meals every two weeks. This program is supported through Grand County funds. Please call 970-725-3288 to sign up.
April 12, 2020 7:00 pm
COVID-19 Information shared from Grand Country Public Health https://www.co.grand.co.us/COVID19
We hope everyone had a great Easter weekend with their family! We’ve heard of families “gathering” for visits by video conferencing, people attending church online, parents sending videos to grandparents of their grandkids hunting for eggs, couples getting some yard prep in before the snow arrives again, and grown adult children projects including water coloring bunnies. This Coronavirus situation is hard, but hopefully we are all discovering ways to have more quality family time. There’s always something good with every bad.
COVID-19 Update
The numbers do not add up because two of the positives are considered “probable” positives meaning they are not included in the number of tests performed.
Outlook for the Week
The Grand County community has done an admirable job isolating and social distancing compared to some areas on the Front Range. We only have two confirmed positive COVID-19 patients. While there may be many undocumented COVID-19 cases in Grand County, even cases of flu and the common cold are well below seasonal averages. It appears that local community health organizations should be able to handle any hospitalizations we could see under the current projections. The next two weeks of isolation under Governor Polis’ Stay-at-Home Order will be challenging for our community, but it is important that we all continue following the law and staying at home except when necessary activities force us to visit public places.
In the last few weeks, the Grand County COVID-19 Response Team and our partners have secured an Isolation Care Facility that is ready for use in situations when patients testing positive for COVID-19 cannot, or should not, return home due to “at-risk” family members. The Team has also made preparations for contingency and alternate plans, should there be a surge at regional and local hospitals. We are working with the state to launch an online self-reporting dashboard to help track the number of people with symptoms who may be isolating at home but not tested.
The Incident Management Team (IMT), working with the Grand County Public Health Director, has also vetted and discussed several other Public Health Orders at the request of members of the Board of Health, Town Managers, as well as the general public. The IMT is prepared to extend or add further restrictions if needed. There have also been discussions regarding continuity of operations as our community prepares to return to our new normal. Grand County Public Health will continue to focus on surveillance and monitoring to ensure our community’s safety as we reassess Public Health Orders. Disease monitoring, contact tracing, isolation, and quarantine will continue throughout the deceleration phase of this pandemic. If an increase in disease is detected before a vaccine is available, social distancing may need to ramp up again.
In the coming weeks, we will continue to look at guidance from FEMA, CDC, Colorado Department of Health and Environment, Colorado Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and others in an effort to minimize the financial and human services impacts to our community. This includes preparing ourselves for a tiered approach out of restrictions. We anticipate that some restrictions may be lifted, but, as a community, we will likely need to practice social distancing measures for months to come.
Please continue taking the appropriate precautions to help us 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. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If you are willing and able to make and donate cloth face masks for Grand County community members in need, please drop them off at any of the following locations: Safeway in Fraser, City Market in Granby, Mountain Food Market in Grand Lake, Sheriff’s Office Foyer in Hot Sulphur Springs, and Kremmling Mercantile.
Stay healthy Grand County!
April 10, 2020 8:00 pm
Information shared from Grand Country Public Health https://www.co.grand.co.us/COVID19
Business Emergency Recovery Team (BERT)
Business owner resources include information about how to navigate the financial and legal ramifications of COVID-19. Work in Grand has also crafted a business assistance series for small business owners to learn more about programs designed to assist during the pandemic. This includes webinars, instructional videos, and business counseling. Resources for employees impacted by COVID-19 are provided as well. This includes information about employee rights, financial assistance, and community-based organizations.
Grand County is committed to assisting local businesses to navigate COVID-19 related closures and economic impacts. Partners include Grand County Economic Development, Grand County Colorado Tourism Board, all Town Municipalities and Chambers of Commerce in Winter Park & Fraser, Granby, Grand Lake, Hot Sulphur Springs, and Kremmling. In addition to providing coordinated and comprehensive information via email, the “Work in Grand” website serves as a centralized location for Grand County business resources. (www.workingrand.com)
Healthy Grand County
If you are wondering where to find resources to supplement lost income because of COVID-19, you can find them on the “Healthy Grand County” website. Healthy Grand County is the result of a community-wide strategic plan for Mental Health; Maternal, Infant and Child Health (MICH); and Health Information and Awareness. The need for greater awareness of existing services in Grand County and the ability for residents and providers to easily find those services is a top priority. (www.HealthyGrandCounty.org)
The website is maintained by Grand County Rural Health Network, but many healthcare providers throughout the county contribute to it. Together, they have compiled a list of resources for everyone in our community experiencing immediate and long-term needs (English and Spanish) as well as a Local Healthcare Provider Directory. Additionally, you can find links to Grand County Emergency Response Resource Guide Summary (in English and Spanish) and a list of Grand County Businesses’ Operating Status.
Grand County Mask Drive
If you are willing and able to make and donate cloth face masks for Grand County community members in need, please drop them off at any of the following locations: Safeway in Fraser, City Market in Granby, Mountain Food Market in Grand Lake, Sheriff’ s Office Foyer in HSS, and Kremmling Mercantile in Kremmling. Place new, unused masks in the plastic tubs attached to the large COVID-19 poster boards. Pattern use does not need to be consistent, but please make masks from NEW fabric only, not used garments, paper or plastic. Our team will clean & sterilize the masks and distribute them locally.
April 9, 2020 6:00 pm
Information shared from Grand Country Public Health https://www.co.grand.co.us/COVID19
Food Assistance Benefits
Food stamp assistance programs free up the food in our community’s food pantries for people who would not otherwise qualify for food stamps. To see if you are eligible to receive food assistance benefits, please fill out an application using one of the methods detailed below. To expedite the processing of your application, provide as much information as possible on your initial application. At the very least, be sure to include: your name, phone number or email, physical AND mailing addresses, and birthday.
Methods to apply:
ONLINE
- Visit the Colorado PEAK website at colorado.gov/PEAK to complete an application on your computer or tablet
MOBILE APP
- Download the MyCOBenefits app to apply from your smartphone
BY PHONE
- Call the Hunger Free Colorado Hotline at 1-855-855-4626 or Mountain Family Center at 970-557-3186
BY PAPER
- Go to the Human Services page on www.co.grand.co.us. Click Food Assistance Program and print out an application. Email: [email protected] I Fax: 970-725-3696 | Address: GCDHS, P.O. Box 204, Hot Sulphur Springs, CO 80451
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Has your income changed? Are you needing more support? You may qualify for WIC (Women, Infants and Children) benefits. Complete the referral form, or call Grand County Public Health at 970-363-6692 and a local WIC staff member will contact you. Currently, all appointments are being completed over the phone so you do not need to leave home!
WIC is the nation’s most successful and cost-effective public health nutrition program. We provide wholesome food, nutrition education, and community support for income-eligible women who are pregnant or postpartum, infants, and children up to five years old. Whether we are lending moms a sympathetic ear, providing them with free and healthy food, or referring them to outside care and social services, it is our goal to give them the resources, knowledge, and tools they need to be the moms they want to be.
