In a press notification received at 10 a.m. this morning, Chaffee County Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is reporting its first positive cases of the coronavirus known COVID-19, in the county. The CDPHE has identified them only as two adults, and adds that the circumstances leading to their infection are under investigation. The patients are working with public health officials in the ongoing investigation to identify people that may have had close exposure.
That the county now has positive cases was expected by local health and medical partners. Their statements earlier this week phrases the arrival of COVID-19 Chaffee County as a matter of ‘when’ versus ‘if’. As a result, the CDPHE and medical partners have been planning what the local response would look like, as well as running through different scenarios.
The CDPHE Colorado COVID-19-by-county-map shows that Chaffee County has been ringed by COVID-19 cases. Cases in Eagle County jumped to 59 by late March 19.
It is important to remind the public that at present, this is a “novel coronavirus” — meaning that it is brand new to the human population. There is currently no vaccine or treatment for COVID-19.
The Chaffee County Public Health Department and its partners say their response efforts are on slowing the spread of the disease, which will require the community’s assistance. More than 80 percent of people who have contracted COVID-19 have relatively mild illness, but if they don’t self-isolate, they can carry the disease to vulnerable populations: older adults, and people with pre-existing health conditions.
“Identification of the first case in Chaffee County is an important indicator,” says Director of Chaffee County Public Health Andrea Carlstrom. “Health officials are reminding residents and guests that the individual precautions they can take to limit their exposure are the same precautions that can help slow the spread of COVID-19 within the community. These precautions will also help protect people in our community who may be at greatest risk for complications if they get infected.”
CDPHE Advice on Protecting yourself:
- Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating or touching your mouth and nose.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
What to do if you’re sick:
- Stay home if you develop a fever, cough or shortness of breath.
- Wear a mask or cover your cough and sneeze.
- Wash your hands frequently and don’t share personal items (drinking glass or utensils) with others.
- Call your healthcare provider. Do not show up at a clinic, urgent care or the emergency department unannounced.
Your doctor’s office will assess your illness on the phone and provide information or guidance for you, household members, and other close contacts.
Testing for COVID-19 is not a routine test. Your healthcare provider will assess your symptoms and risk for the disease based on guidance from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Since many of the illnesses are mild, we expect most COVID-19 patients will be isolated in their own home to rest and recover. If possible, sleep in a bedroom and use a bathroom that is not used by other household members. There is no antiviral treatment for COVID-19. Getting rest and drinking plenty of fluids will likely be helpful for recovery. Only the most critically ill will be hospitalized.
Public Health officials also have been recommending that residents prepare for an emergency that might require them to stay at home for several days, including having food supplies, water and medications. Isolation and quarantine practices are the best non-pharmaceutical interventions available to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Those with questions about COVID-19 can call the CO HELP Hotline at 1-877-462-2911.
Updates or changes in guidance will be posted to https://www.facebook.com/covid-19chaffeecounty/ and https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/2019-novel-coronavirus.
To contact Chaffee County Public Health, call 719-539-4510.
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