2 More Boulder County Residents Test Positive For New Coronavirus

BOULDER COUNTY, CO — Two more Boulder County residents in their 20s have tested positive for the new coronavirus, health officials confirmed Sunday. The county's first case was confirmed on Saturday.

When Boulder County Public Health receives notice of a positive test, officials conduct an investigation to identify every person the patient may have come in close contact with, the agency said. Each person is interviewed and guidance is provided, which includes recommendations for isolation, quarantine, and/or testing, depending on their situation.

The county's first positive case of coronavirus was also a person in their 20s. The person had traveled to California and was notified upon their return to Colorado that two people at the event they attended in California had subsequently tested positive for the disease.

Boulder County declared a formal disaster emergency Saturday in response to the new coronavirus. Board of Boulder County Commissioners Chair, Deb Gardner, issued the declaration after consulting with both the county's emergency manager and public health director, officials said.

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COVID-19 is primarily spread through respiratory droplets spread when a person with the illness coughs or sneezes. People who have prolonged contact within six feet of a person with the disease are most at risk of transmission.

Public health officials are providing the following guidance to minimize the spread of illness:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you 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.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Anyone feeling ill with symptoms similar to those associated with COVID-19 (e.g. fever, cough, shortness of breath) should:

• Manage their symptoms at home the same way they manage other cold symptoms. To reduce the risk of transmission, people with flu-like symptoms should remain at home to the extent possible.
• If they need medical care, they should call their primary care provider and let the office know that they are concerned they might have COVID-19.
• Only contact 911 for emergencies requiring immediate life-saving care; always let them know if there is concern about COVID-19 symptoms or exposure.
• Restrict visits to the hospital emergency room or urgent care - only individuals needing immediate care should visit these facilities. If someone must visit an ER or urgent care facility, they should call ahead and let them know they are concerned they might have COVID-19.

Residents can call CO-Help at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 or email them at COHELP@RMPDC.org for more information and to ask questions about COVID-19 or visit the county's website for local information.

Other information on COVID-19:

• Coronavirus Testing Criteria Updated, Expanded In Colorado
• Colorado Colleges Hold Classes Remotely Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
• Americans Over 60 Should Hunker Down To Avoid Coronavirus: CDC
• Coronavirus And The Prospect Of Working From Home: Helpful Tips
• Coronavirus: Tips To Prepare Your Home