The number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Mesa County remains at 34, with 30 of those cases recovered; defined as having at least 14 days since symptom onset. Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) added another point of data to our community impact dashboard showing the date of illness by onset. You can view the latest data here (or here for a better view on a mobile device).
There are more than 250 tests pending, and those are associated with samples collected through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) those swabs are sent to a reference, or private, lab. They represent results not released to MCPH, however, people with positive results have been notified directly by HHS.
We are developing our plan to open back up. You’ve seen examples of this at the statewide and national level; our local model takes a similar approach, in phases. We want to get people back to work as soon as we can without putting ourselves at risk for surge and illness once again.
Testing
Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) continues to make testing for COVID-19 a priority through an appointment-only community sample collection site.
The sampling location for COVID-19 is being run by Mesa County Public Health in partnership with a federal agency. Depending on the lab processing the sample, results may be available in as soon as 48 hours.
Mesa County Public Health is encouraging people with symptoms and in a high-risk group to get tested.
High-risk groups include:
- Frontline healthcare workers and first responders.
- Any person who lives in a long-term care facility or another residential setting (such as a homeless shelter or correctional facility).
- Any person who is 65 years or older.
- Any person who is less than 19 years old.
- Any person with an underlying medical condition.
- Any person who is a close contact of a known COVID-19 case.
- Any person who works at a business that is still open.
- Any person who works with vulnerable populations or in a group residential setting.
- Any person who is currently homeless.
In order to have a sample collected for testing you must be pre-screened, and have an appointment. Call the Mesa County Public Health COVID-19 Hotline (970) 683-2300 or your primary care provider for a screening.
Mental and Behavioral Health
The outbreak of COVID-19 has created stress, fear, and uncertainty for many people in our community. Anxiety about getting sick, loss of income, and a new reality affects each of us differently. Taking care of our mental well-being is of vital importance. If you or someone you love is feeling overwhelmed by feelings of sadness, anxiety, or fear, we urge you to seek help.
Mind Springs Health and West Springs Hospital is open and offers Walk-In Crisis Services as well as virtual options. They have a robust schedule of Facebook Live events scheduled, hosted by mental health experts.
There are also several valuable resources available in our community to offer aid:
- Colorado Crisis Services
- 844-493-TALK(8255)
- Or text TALK to 38255
- Crisis Text Line
- Text CO to 741741
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- 800-273-TALK
- COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line (available 24/7)
- 1-877-519-7505
- Great resources for all ages at www.mindspringshealth.org/covid19
City of Grand Junction #GJStrong Fund
The City of Grand Junction has appropriated $500,000 to be administered by the Western Colorado Community Foundation (WCCF). WCCF has distributed these funds to local non-profit organizations that are providing critical aid to those who have been impacted by COVID-19. The City issued a release on the grant awards that can be viewed here.