Second 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 has identified a second Gunnison County resident to test positive for COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) in Gunnison County.

As of Wednesday, March 11, 2020, there are two confirmed cases of COVID-19 who reside in Gunnison County. The first reported case on March 10, 2020, was a visitor to Gunnison County and is no longer in the valley.

The second confirmed case is identified as a female in her 50s. She was exposed while traveling out of state and is currently isolated at home.

Gunnison County officials encourage people to reduce the risk of getting sick or spreading the virus by following these recommendations:

• Stay at home if you are sick.
• Practice social distance.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Cough and sneeze into your sleeve or tissue.
• Avoid touching your face.
• 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.

Gunnison County officials continue to encourage everyone not to go to the Gunnison Valley Hospital. If you have been experiencing symptoms (i.e. fever, cough, shortness of breath), please stay at home and self-isolate, or call the Gunnison County Health Hotline (970) 641-7660 to get screened and to receive more information.

When to call 911 or go to the Emergency Department? If your shortness of breath becomes worse and you have difficulty breathing, call 911 or the Gunnison Valley Health Emergency Department at (970) 641-1456 to let them know you will be arriving, if this is possible.

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.