County Coronavirus Update
March 5, 3:00 PM - This morning, representatives from multiple local and regional agencies met for continued strategic planning for the likely arrival of COVID-19 (coronavirus) to San Miguel County. Efforts are being focused on infection prevention and control measures, including frequent hand washing, staying home when sick, and cleaning surfaces. If and when the virus arrives in our county, we are prepared to initiate containment strategies which include infection control and mitigation.
Colorado State Health Officials late Wednesday issued new guidelines to healthcare and EMS providers for the use of “personal protection equipment” (PPE). Please do not be alarmed if you see providers wearing PPE such as masks, goggles, and gowns. We have a limited number of healthcare and EMS providers and want to keep them safe to help continue to help provide care to you.
While there is a lot of information health officials do not know about this coronavirus, what is known, is that for most people, symptoms are mild and will not produce more than typical respiratory- illness symptoms, such as fever and cough.
Currently, no state in the U.S. is considered by health officials to have widespread virus activity, and there are no confirmed cases in Colorado. State officials caution, however, that they expect that to change in the coming days and weeks.
A reminder, it is not too late to get your flu vaccine. While the vaccine offers no protection against the coronavirus, it does offer some protection against the flu, which is a lot more widespread locally and nationally.
Our county recognizes the public concern and is working hard to keep you informed in a timely manner with transparency. As always, your public health and safety are of paramount importance.