Preparing for COVID-19: Novel Coronavirus Update

Community Update

Guidance for communities concerning COVID-19, novel coronavirus.

Gunnison County Public Health and its partners within the healthcare system are ensuring the community is prepared for COVID-19. There are 7 different types of the coronavirus, most of which are the common cold. The strand of virus we are concerned with is COVID-19, which was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and continues to expand.

The Colorado Health Emergency Line, or CO Help, has been set up to provide information about COVID-19, call 1-877-462-2911 with questions. Language interpretation is available.

In order to keep everyone safe, we all must do our part to slow the spread of any illness by preparing now.

What you can do:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub.
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.
• Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Get an annual flu vaccine if you have not had one.

What to do if you think you have COVID-19

• Stay home if you develop a fever, cough or shortness of breath.
• Wear a face mask (surgical mask if you have one) or cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.
• 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, which may include information or other guidance for you and household members.
• Testing for COVID-19 is not a routine test. Your healthcare provider will work with local and state public health officials to determine who should be tested for COVID-19. All testing is currently limited to those with the highest risk of exposure.

Contacts and additional information:

Gunnison County Public Health: (970) 641-3244

State COVID-19 hotline: CO-Help is a toll-free hotline that has been set up to provide information about COVID-19 and answer your questions. If you have questions about COVID-19 you are asked to call 1-877-462-2911.

Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) updates their website weekly: Colorado.gov/cdphe/2019-novel-coronavirus

CDPHE Facebook (facebook.com/CDPHE) and Twitter (@CDPHE)