COVID-19 HHRC Update: Governor’s Stay-at-Home Order Extended Until April 26
April 7, 2020 5:00 pm
Information shared from Grand Country Public Health https://www.co.grand.co.us/COVID19
COVID-19 Update
Numbers do not add up since 2 positives are probable positives and are not counted in the number of in-county tests.
Stay-At-Home Order Extended through April 26
Governor Polis’ Statewide Stay-at-Home Order that went into effect on March 26 has been extended through April 26, 2020. As per the Governor’s Order, you should stay at home unless it is absolutely necessary. All Colorado residents must practice social distancing requirements outside of the home and are encouraged to wear a face covering.
“Necessary Activities” include:
- Obtaining food, medicine, cannabis, liquor, and other household necessities
- Going to and from work if you are a critical employee
- Seeking medical care
- Caring for dependents or pets
- Caring for a vulnerable person in another location
- Participating in outdoor recreation CLOSE TO HOME at a legally-mandated safe distance of six feet or more from other parties
To watch Governor Polis’ Address to the State, click on the video play button below or this link to watch the video: https://www.facebook.com/jaredpolis/videos/2527154850857854/
Stay Home
In the last few days, local US Post Offices have expressed concern regarding the increase in applications for new boxes, most of which are coming from out-of-towners with second homes looking to escape areas with higher infection rates.
Grand County Public Health actively discourages second homeowners from coming to (and staying in) Grand County right now. Because the statewide Stay-at-Home Order bans all non-essential travel, travel to or within Grand County is NOT ALLOWED unless it is for necessary activities, business, or services.
While the mountains may seem like a nice weekend escape, small mountain communities are NOT safe havens from COVID-19 due to our limited resources and capacity. Travelling back and forth between residences heightens the risk of community transmission. By staying at home in your primary residence, you are helping protect the community you choose to invest in.
If you are not a full-time resident, please be considerate of the Grand County community, as a whole, and do not come here. This is not forever, it is just for now. We will welcome you with open arms once normal resources levels return, regular business operations resume, and life gets back to “normal”.
Second homeowners who do ultimately choose to stay in their second homes should limit their impact on local resources by limiting their interactions and bringing their own groceries and supplies.
April 6, 2020 6:00 pm
Information shared from Grand Country Public Health https://www.co.grand.co.us/COVID19
Colorado Mask Project
Research shows that masks can help block the spread of COVID-19, especially by preventing people who are asymptomatically infected from spreading the disease unknowingly. That’s why government officials—including Governor Jared Polis—are recommending their widespread use. However, given the current mask shortages impacting medical professionals, it’s essential that the general public leaves the supply of N95 medical masks to healthcare workers.
That’s how DIY masks can help! By providing every Coloradan with a DIY mask, we can protect medical professionals on the front lines, help flatten the curve—and most importantly keep each other safe.
How to Wear a Cloth Face Covering
Cloth face coverings should—fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face, be secured with ties or ear loops, cover both the nose and mouth, include multiple layers of fabric, allow for breathing without restriction, and be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape. Always make sure your DIY masks are clean (a dirty mask might be worse than no mask), and never use a mask as an excuse to violate social-distancing orders.
Making Cloth Face Coverings
There are lots of great instructional videos out there. CDC has provided Sew and No Sew Instructions on DIY masks. In addition, there are many groups and resources found on ColoradoMaskProject.com. When making masks, use materials you already have at home. Do not break the physical distancing or stay-at-home orders.
Face Covering Maintenance
To safely remove a face covering, individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately after removing. They should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use. A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a face covering.
Let’s keep each other safe in our community!
April 2, 2020 8:00 pm
Information shared from Grand Country Public Health https://www.co.grand.co.us/COVID19
Survey Results Released from State about COVID-19
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) released results from a survey asking Coloradans about their perceptions and attitudes related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 45,000 Coloradans completed the survey between March 22 and March 24, 2020.
This survey was fielded among a sample of Coloradans who accessed the survey by going to the CDPHE website. The complete dashboard is available on CDPHE’s website. Keep in mind that the survey was taken prior to the statewide stay-at-home order.
Scam Alert
Scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding coronavirus and are trying to exploit the pandemic response to steal your personal information and money. They are impersonating public health agencies, hospitals, federal financial agencies and more. Be alert and verify any unsolicited phone calls or emails.
FACT: There is currently no vaccine and no specific treatment to prevent or treat a coronavirus infection.
Do not give money to anyone that claims a payment will put you on a list to fast-track receiving a vaccination or to “investment opportunities” or offers to crowdfund for a cure. Additionally, be wary of anyone touting any type of medical miracle or holistic cures. Scammers may also try to take advantage of the kindness of others for their own benefit. If someone asks you to donate money toward a community charity, we strongly suggest you research organizations prior to donating money.
April 1, 2020 6:00 pm
Information shared from Grand Country Public Health https://www.co.grand.co.us/COVID19
COVID-19 Daily Update
Numbers do not add up since 2 positives are probable positives and are not counted in the number of in-county tests.
| Positive Cases | Deaths | |
|---|---|---|
| Grand County | 4 | 0 |
| Colorado | 3,342 | 80 |
| United States | 186,101 | 3,603 |
| Current Testing Status in Grand County | |
|---|---|
| Tests Performed | 59 |
| Negative Tests | 53 |
| Pending Tests | 4 |
| Positive Tests | 4 |
Yesterday, Grand County Public Health (GCPH) executed a Public Health Order related to the necessary restriction of Short-Term Lodging in Grand County. The Public Health Order prohibits all Short-Term Lodging (STR) operations from conducting business and taking new reservations until April 30 and will go into effect tomorrow, April 2, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. MST.
Short-Term Lodging:
Short-Term Lodging is defined as all lodging for a term of 30 days or less and includes, but is 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:
Exceptions as defined in the Order, all of which are subject to approval, include:
- Guests who have stayed or plan to stay longer than 30 consecutive days;
- Any guests staying at your facility that qualify as critical workers for the “essential business” under Colorado’s statewide Stay-at-Home Order;
- and individual(s) experiencing symptoms of illness or who are under a quarantine or isolation order from Grand County Public Health.
Short -Term Lodging owners and managers may submit a request for exemption from the Order by filling out the online Exemption Form found under “Contact Us” on the right side of this page. Submitted forms will be reviewed by Grand County Public Health, and you will only receive follow-up communication from Grand County Public Health if clarification is required or if the exemption is denied.
Questions about Short-Term Lodging may be directed to [email protected] or 970-725-3808. Questions can also be directed to 970-725-3737. To report any Public Health Order violations, including the STR Order, fill out the online violation form at co.grand.co.us/violation.
March 31, 2020 5:00 pm
Information shared from Grand Country Public Health https://www.co.grand.co.us/COVID19
GRAND COUNTY, CO – Grand County Public Health has issued a public health order on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, prohibiting all Short-Term Lodging (STR) operations from operating and taking new reservations until April 30, 2020, designed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Grand County; it also aligns with orders from the State of Colorado that were implemented on March 26, 2020. The Public Health Order will become effective Thursday, April 2, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. MST.
The Public Health Order includes the following:
- State and Federal Social Distancing Requirements, and Prohibitions and Restrictions on Certain Events, Gatherings, Business Operations, and Other Activities Remain in Full Force in Grand County.
- This Order prohibits all Short-Term Lodging (STR) operations from operating and taking new reservations from the date of this Order until April 30, 2020.
- The Order defines Short-Term Lodging as all lodging for a term of 30 days or less and includes, but is 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). Consecutive 30-day lodging terms will be treated as Short-Term Lodging unless separated by a 15-day gap in occupancy.
- All short term lodging units must be vacated through April 30, 2020.
- STR owners are encouraged to temporarily suspend advertising for their rental units. Regardless, any STR owners who continue to advertise their rental units must include in any advertisement that the unit is not available for rent during the period of time this Order prohibiting Short-Term Lodging is in effect.
- Exceptions are defined in the Order, all of which are subject to approval of the Grand County Public Health Director.
- For the avoidance of doubt, dispersed camping on Federal public lands is permitted so long as campers are otherwise in compliance with this Order and practicing social distancing, and are in compliance with the rules and regulations of the applicable federal agency.
- Failure to comply with the Order is subject to a fine of up to five thousand (5,000) dollars, imprisonment in the county jail, and may lead to suspension or revocation of the property’s issued Short-Term Rental permit.
“This extreme measure is necessary to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our community based on the data we are seeing in Grand County,” Medical Director, Dr. Darcy Selenke stated.
Local authorities will work toward voluntary compliance or will utilize the proper means necessary to enforce this order. If you have questions regarding this Order please call the 24-Hour STR Hotline at 970-725-6022 or Grand County Short Term Rentals at 970-725-3737. To report violations of the Order or others, please visit CO.GRAND.CO.US/VIOLATION.
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.
March 30, 2020
Press Release by Mind Springs Health & West Springs Hospital
| Mental health professionals to provide support and guidance during COVID-19 pandemic Mind Springs Health & West Springs Hospital Contact: Stephanie Keister, Public Relations Manager Tel: m. 970.456.3718 E-Mail: [email protected] Web: MindSpringsHealth.org Mind Springs Health Offers New Mental Health Support Line 1-877-519-7505 staffed with mental health professionals providing support and guidance during COVID-19 pandemic FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Glenwood Springs, Colo. (March 30, 2020) – Increased anxiety, stress, and depression are just a few of the negative effects COVID-19 is having on many Coloradoans. Social distancing has intensified existing mental health issues for some, while bringing forth first-time struggles for others. In response to the concerns about increased mental health needs in Western Colorado, Mind Springs Health has launched a new support line, staffed with trained mental health professionals, to provide help and guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Help will be available by calling 1-877-519-7505 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.“We’re in a very unique and strange environment right now and the isolation involved with social distancing can be very difficult,” said Michelle Hoy, Executive Vice President of Mind Springs Health. “For many people, too much alone time simply perpetuates feelings of sadness, fear, and anxiety. At Mind Springs Health, we want to be sure that everyone in the communities we serve has someone to talk to and has access to further help if needed.”The mental healthcare professionals staffing the line will be able to provide coping skills to help those experiencing anxiety, while also referring callers to available resources should their needs exceed an initial phone conversation.Mind Springs Health is the western slope’s largest provider of counseling and therapy for mental wellness and also assists individuals and families dealing with and recovering from substance abuse and addiction. Covering a 23,000-square mile area in Eagle, Garfield, Grand, Jackson, Mesa, Moffat, Pitkin, Rio Blanco, Routt and Summit counties, Mind Springs Health offers a continuum of mental health care with crisis response services, 12 offices for outpatient treatment, and West Springs Hospital, the only psychiatric hospital between Denver and Salt Lake City.*** |
March 25, 2020
by CBS4 Denver
It’s Colorado’s turn! Governor Jared Polis issued a stay-at-home order this afternoon to go into effect at 6 am March 26 and to last through April 11.
“This order is now the law,” said Polis. “You need to stay home and do your part and I need to stay home and do my part,” said Polis. “We owe it to ourselves and our fellow Americans in order to save lives.”
Click link below to view video and read article:
Full executive order here.
March 23, 2020 2:45 pm
by Jen Fanning, Executive Director, Grand County Rural Health Network
Are you uninsured or about to lose your health insurance due to COVID-19? We’re happy to let you know that Connect for Health Colorado has you covered during this COVID-19 outbreak. There is a new special enrollment period for people who are uninsured and want to sign up for health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado. They have opened an emergency Special Enrollment period from Friday, March 20 thru Friday, April 3, 2020. Coloradans who are currently uninsured or about to lose coverage due to COVID-19 are able to get health insurance that starts April 1, 2020.
You qualify if you:
- Currently don’t have health insurance
- Have recently lost your health insurance
- Will lose your health insurance soon
Also, people with an existing health insurance plan through the marketplace that have experienced a change in income should update their accounts.
They have a dedicated webpage:
https://connectforhealthco.com/get-started/covid-19-support/
Also, here is a video in Spanish:
https://www.facebook.com/connectforhealthco/videos/636310613602682/
We encourage you to apply online or call their representatives!
March 20, 2020
by Jen Fanning, Executive Director, Grand County Rural Health Network
Important info for all who reside in Grand County:
Here’s a COVID “cheat sheet” on where to get the updated COVID local resources listing and how to volunteer, donate or apply for assistance!
Please share this with your Facebook friends, your clients, your neighbors, and those who aren’t on social media.
Contact [email protected] for zip file of graphics to use for your Facebook and Enewsletter to share on your channels.
