AS THE CDC WARNS OF CONTINUED SPREAD OF NOVEL CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) IN THE UNITED STATES, MCPH HAS LAUNCHED THIS WEBPAGE AS A RESOURCE FOR OUR COMMUNITY FOR CURRENT, RELIABLE INFORMATION.
What we know right now
- Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) is ready to respond should a case of novel coronavirus be identified here. Our primary responsibility would be to promptly identify a suspected case and implement measures to prevent any additional spread of illness locally.
- People who are at greatest risk for this virus are:
- People who recently traveled from China and South Korea.
- Close contacts of people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19
Is it safe to travel?
It depends on your destination. Travel within the United States is safe, however there are several different alerts, watches, and warnings in place for international destinations. It’s best to check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel page for the most current information.
What about people who have returned from these destinations who live in Mesa County?
- To slow the spread of COVID-19, the CDC is working with state and local public health agencies, including MCPH, to monitor returning travelers from affected areas for the development of any symptoms.
- Travelers on flights into the United States from mainland China are being routed to one of 11 airports in the U.S. where the CDC has quarantine stations.
- Health screenings for fever, cough or trouble breathing are being conducted.
- Depending on travel history and symptoms, restrictions on movement may be implemented for 14 days from the time the person left an affected area.
Do I need a mask?
The CDC does not recommend masks to protect the general public from the new coronavirus. In fact, members of the public purchasing masks are creating supply issues in healthcare settings where providers do need protection. It is more important that you take simple everyday prevention measures such as:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick and until at least 24 hours after your symptoms end.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
- 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 cleaner. To make your own, use one cup of bleach per one gallon of water.
- 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.
What can community members do?
- Try to get a few extra months’ worth of prescription medications, if possible, in case there are supply chain disruptions.
- Think through how you will take care of sick family members while trying not to get infected.
- Think about and make a plan for what you will do if your child’s school or child care is closed.
- Remember to wash your hands regularly and thoroughly. It’s one of the simplest things you can do to prevent the spread of germs.
- Additional recommendations and resources are available on our website.
What can businesses do?
- Think about how you can support teleworking, flexible shifts, and what factors you’ll consider to cancel large meetings or conferences if necessary.
- Consider the impact of staffing shortage due to illness and how you’ll address this.
- Cross-train key staff at work so one person’s absence won’t derail your organization’s ability to function.
- Additional recommendations and resources are available on our website.
What is Mesa County Public Health doing?
- As the local public health authority, we are working to keep local residents informed and updated on the issue and provide messaging around ways to stay healthy and prevent the spread of illness.
- Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) is monitoring the situation and receives regular updates from the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
- We are in communication with our healthcare partners and regional partners to provide updates on changes to testing or isolation guidelines, and other information or resources requested.
- We will continue to investigate and test people that we suspect could have novel coronavirus alongside CDPHE and the CDC and will provide updates as necessary.
- Mesa County Public Health is monitoring Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supplies at the local and regional level.
- Our routine disease surveillance continues which includes data collection and analysis on causes of illness, injury, and death affecting Mesa County residents.
Resources for Providers
Mesa County Public Health has been in regular contact with healthcare providers in the area. CDPHE has created this document as a resource. This includes information about isolation procedures at home if the patient does not require hospitalization.
Providers with questions or a suspected case should call the Mesa County Public Health 24/7 disease reporting and consultation line at 970-254-4120.
In addition, providers can:
- Stay up-to-date on current case counts, clinical guidance and recommendations here.
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment (standard precautions + contact precautions + airborne precautions + eye protection) when assessing patients suspected of having novel coronavirus. Complete guidance from the CDC can be found here.
- Contact Mesa County Public Health at 970-254-4120 if you have any supply chain needs that can’t be addressed through agreements with other facilities or alternate vendors.
- Although it’s difficult to say how mild or severe the novel coronavirus will be, there are some signs that it will be widespread but will be a relatively minor illness for those who are healthy and well.
- Additional recommendations and resources are available on our website.
Statewide Hotline
People who have general questions about the 2019 novel coronavirus can call CO HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 for answers in English and Spanish (Español), Mandarin (普通话), and more.