Colorado had it’s two first confirmed cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) reported on March 5, 2020. Although the risk of COVID-19 is currently low in Mesa County, we expect to see cases over the coming weeks and months.
Mesa County Public Health and healthcare partners want to encourage our residents to remain calm, stay well-informed, and follow appropriate guidance.
- For community members who are experiencing symptoms, call your health provider FIRST; don’t go to the facility unless directed by phone or unless it’s a medical emergency.
- Plan for two weeks of necessary household items; there’s no need to stockpile large quantities of supplies.
- Masks are not recommended for those individuals who are currently healthy (not experiencing symptoms). Masks are only recommended for people experiencing symptoms and for healthcare workers.
For people who are otherwise healthy, novel coronavirus will be like a bad case of the flu. Symptoms may last 1-2 weeks and cause individuals to miss work, school, and child care. Most of these people will be able to manage their symptoms at home and recover without complication. It is important for individuals who are sick to stay home until at least 24 hours after symptoms end. People that are there for the greatest risk of complications from COVID-19 include;
- Those who are over the age of 65
- Those who have underlying health conditions
- Young children
- Pregnant women
It is important for everyone in our community to take simple but important actions to prevent the spread of germs like COVID-19. If we each do our part, we can reduce the impact of COVID-19 in our community. Some simple steps that we can all take include:
- Regularly clean hands with soap and water. If unavailable, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms.
- Stay home if you are sick and until at least 24 hours after symptoms end.
- Disinfect high-touch surfaces using an appropriate cleaning product. Review this list of products.
- Consider a flu shot: The Mesa County Public Health Clinic, located at 510 29 ½ Road has flu vaccine available. Walk-ins are welcome. No appointment needed.