Montrose, CO—Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) and Montrose County Public Health has confirmed that one person in Montrose County tested positive for novel Coronavirus/COVID-19 on March 20, 2020. The individual is a 39-year-old male and is currently in quarantine at his residence. The testing process is overseen by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and was conducted by Montrose County Public Health Department.
“This individual is currently in self-isolation. CDPHE staff, in conjunction with Montrose County Public Health, are monitoring the person who may have been exposed and investigating any additional contacts this individual may have had with community members,” said Lisa Gallegos, Montrose County Emergency Preparedness Coordinator and Communicable Disease Specialist. "We hope this individual recovers quickly and that there limited spread in Montrose County. Systems are in place to address the needs of the affected individual."
Montrose Memorial Hospital has implemented temporary visitor restrictions. As such, people with respiratory symptoms are not permitted to visit (symptoms include cough, sore throat, aches, fever). Children under the age of 18 are not allowed in the patient care areas. Additionally, only one visitor will be allowed per patient and lengths of visits may be limited.
“Montrose County Public Health and community partners have been preparing for this circumstance, and we want to reassure the community that the county is in constant communication with both the CDPHE and CDC regarding this incident and future preparedness measures," said Commissioner Keith Caddy. "I am asking that Montrose County residents help reduce the spread of COVID-19 by following guidance from the CDC to include social distancing, hand-washing, and self-isolation when experiencing mild symptoms.”
If you are feeling ill with symptoms similar to those associated with COVID-19:
● Manage your symptoms at home the same way you manage other cold symptoms. We want to reduce the risk of transmission, so to the extent possible, people with flu-like symptoms should remain at home.
● If you need medical care, contact your primary care provider via phone. Let them know that you are concerned you might have COVID-19.
● Only contact 9-1-1 for emergencies requiring immediate life-saving care and let them know if you are concerned you might have COVID-19.
● Restrict visits to the hospital emergency room or urgent care - only individuals needing immediate care should visit these facilities. If you must visit an ER or urgent care facility, call ahead and let them know that you are concerned you might have COVID-19.
Please note that Public Health was notified about this case after 4pm, as such the state’s website and interactive data are updated daily at approximately 4pm. This case will not be reflected on the state’s website until the update the afternoon of March 21, 2020.
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