First Gunnison County Resident Tests Positive for COVID-19

Issued by Gunnison County Health and Human Services; March 11: The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and Gunnison County Public Health have identified the first Gunnison County resident to test positive for COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) in Gunnison County.

The case involves a female in her 50s. The person was exposed while traveling and is currently isolated at home. Gunnison County health officials are working to determine people who have been in contact with the patient to isolate or quarantine people and test those who are exhibiting symptoms.

On March 10, Gunnison County announced the first positive COVID-19 tested individual was a local resident of Gunnison County. Through investigative efforts, the individual was later determined to be a Denver County resident, who is no longer in the Gunnison County Area after being treated and released from Gunnison Valley Hospital. Currently, she is being monitored by Denver County Health officials.

Gunnison County officials encourage people to reduce the risk of getting sick, and preventing COVID-19 are:

• Stay home and self isolate
• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve, or tissue
• Avoid touching your face
• Stay home if you are sick
• Try alternatives to shaking hands, like an elbow bump
• There is no recommendation to wear masks at this time to prevent yourself from getting sick
• If possible, work from home

Please do not go to the Gunnison Valley Hospital. If you have been experiencing symptoms (i.e. fever, cough, shortness of breath), please call the Gunnison County Health Hotline (970) 641-7660 to get screened and to receive more information.

Stay at home and self isolate until an alternate care site is established. More information on COVID-19 can be found at www.gunnisoncounty.org/938/Coronavirus-COVID-19 or by calling the newly established Gunnison County Health Hotline: (970) 641-7660 open 7-days a week, 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.