Australian Woman Who Visited Aspen Tests Positive For Coronavirus

ASPEN, CO — An Australian woman who visited Aspen has tested positive for the new coronavirus, health officials said. She is back home in Australia.

The woman, who's in her 20s, went to some gatherings with Aspen visitors and residents, health officials said.

Pitkin County Public Health is investigating the case and reaching out to anyone she may have come in contact with. Some people who were around her have been experiencing respiratory symptoms, according to several reports.

Those in Aspen who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms are asked to call 970-456-2199 for assistance.

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As of Monday morning, there were nine presumptive cases of COVID-19 in Colorado. Here is a breakdown, courtesy of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment:

Larimer County

• One case in a woman in her 50s. The investigation is ongoing.

Denver County

• One case in a man in his 40s. The investigation is ongoing.
• One case in a woman in her 70s, exposed during international travel.

Douglas County

• One case in a school-aged female, exposed during international travel.
• One case in a woman in her 40s, exposed during international travel.
• One case in a woman in her 70s, exposed during international travel.

Eagle County

• One case in a woman in her 50s, exposed during international travel.

El Paso County

• One case in a man in his 40s. The investigation is ongoing.

Summit County

• One case in a man in his 30s, an out-of-state resident who was exposed during international travel or through contact with an out-of-state case

The Colorado Department of Public Health has issued the following criteria for public health providers to decide whether a patient needs to be tested:

1. The patient has a fever OR signs/symptoms of lower respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, AND the patient has been in close contact with someone confirmed with COVID-19, within 14 days of when symptoms started.
2. The patient has a fever and signs/symptoms of lower respiratory illness (and other diagnoses such as influenza have been ruled out), AND the patient recently traveled to parts of the world where infection rates are high or community spread is occurring, within 14 days of when symptoms started.
   1. This guidance varies slightly from Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. As the state has capacity, Colorado will continue to consider testing for individuals who are not hospitalized in order to identify patients who have traveled to affected areas who have less severe disease.
3. The patient has a fever with severe lower respiratory illness that requires hospitalization AND other diagnoses such as influenza have been ruled out.

If a medical provider thinks a patient may have COVID-19, the provider will contact the state or a local public health department for instructions on testing, health officials said. A specimen from the patient's nose and throat will be collected and sent to the state lab. Public health agencies will make the final decision about testing for COVID-19 virus.
With current staffing and equipment resources, the state lab has the capacity to test up to 160 samples per day, assuming test kits from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are continuously available, health officials said. Turnaround time for results is expected to be within 24 hours of specimen receipt at the state laboratory.

The Colorado Department of Public Health has issued the following tips for protection against the new coronavirus:

• 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.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you are sick, and keep your children at home when they are sick.
• 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 cleaning spray or wipe.

Important things to remember

• CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. The use of face masks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health setting).
• It is important to call ahead before going to see a doctor or emergency room to prevent the spread of illness. Tell them your symptoms and that you suspect you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 or had recent travel to a country that is experiencing community spread.

CO HELP is Colorado's novel coronavirus hotline. For answers in many languages including English, Spanish, Mandarin, and others:

• Call 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911
• Email COHELP@RMPDC.org

Other reliable sources of information about COVID-19:

• CDPHE Fact Sheet: English | Spanish | Simplified Chinese
• CDC: Coronavirus Disease website
• CDC: Novel coronavirus information for travelers
• CDC Interim Guidance: Get Your Household Ready for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• CDC: Frequently asked questions

• FEMA guidance for pre-pandemic COVID-19 preparedness
• CDC Interim Guidance: Get Your Household Ready for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)