Colorado health department: Social distancing 'urgent' for mountain residents, visitors

The Colorado health department is urging residents and visitors of the high country to minimize their contact with other people to help slow the spread of the new coronavirus. 

There is likely "sustained community transmission of COVID-19 in these areas," according to a health department news release, adding that community transmission is likely increasing across the state.

Anyone who lives in or has visited Eagle, Summit, Pitkin or Gunnison counties in the past week should minimize all contact with other people, no matter if they are experiencing symptoms, according to the news release. 

As of Sunday afternoon, there were 131 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus in Colorado. Of these at least 18 were from people who have spent time in Eagle County, 13 in Pitkin County, 6 in Gunnison County and 3 in Summit County. Those numbers differ from other county-by-county breakdowns provided by the health department.

More:Map: Where in Colorado has coronavirus been detected?

“We’re seeing extensive outbreaks in these communities,” said State Epidemiologist Rachel Herlihy in the news release. “We are asking people to take this voluntary action to slow the spread of the disease in Colorado and keep people safe. If we do this now, our hope is that we can slow down the spread of this virus and lessen the potential stress on our health care systems and workers.”

The health department recommends that residents and visitors of the affected mountain communities:  

• Stay home or in a comparable setting as much as possible:
• Work from home if possible; if you can’t work from home, maintain at least 6 feet of distance between you and your coworkers or customers.
• Only go to public spaces for necessities such as groceries and the pharmacy.
• Continue healthy, nongroup activities like walking, hiking, jogging, cycling and other activities that maintain distance from other people. 
• Don’t gather in group settings. Avoid mass gatherings.
• Maintain distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others.
• If you need to travel, use a private vehicle instead of taking buses, ride shares, flights, or other transportation that puts you in contact with other people.
• Continue to operate critical business functions, such as delivery of goods and operation of businesses, with social distancing and additional safety measures in place. 

In addition, the health department released the following guidance for residents and visitors of the affected counties: 

• If you live in Colorado and are leaving one of these communities, you should minimize contact with other people for 14 days and watch for the development of symptoms like cough, fever, and shortness of breath. 
• If you are visiting Colorado from out of state and do not currently have symptoms (cough, fever, and shortness of breath), you can return home and practice social distancing there.
• If you have symptoms, stay where you are, isolate yourself from others and call a health care provider or nurse line before seeking care. Do not fly. Do not use public transportation or ride-shares.  If you are experiencing symptoms you must be isolated for at least 7-10 days after the onset of symptoms. It is only safe to leave isolation if your symptoms are improving and you don't have a fever for 72 hours immediately prior to the end of your isolation.

More:Coronavirus in Colorado: Tracking the confirmed cases, latest news and updates

According to a USA TODAY analysis, U.S. hospitals are at risk of running out of beds should the nation see a major spike in coronavirus cases. 

The Interstate 25 corridor of Colorado has potential for a similar overload, according to the analysis. Seven metropolitan areas from Fort Collins to Pueblo could be home to 13,000 older patients who need hospitalization. Yet, those cities together have just over 9,000 beds.

Preventing coronavirus

Everyone should continue to take the following actions to protect themselves and those close to them: 

• Practice social distancing.
• When possible, increase distance between people to six feet to help reduce spread.
• Don’t shake hands. Instead, bump fists or elbows.
• Do not attend public gatherings.
• Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.  
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, or use your inner elbow or sleeve.  
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home if you’re sick, and keep your children home if they are sick.  
• Clean surfaces in your home, and personal items such as cell phones, using regular household products.  

Jennifer Hefty is an editor at the Coloradoan. Reach her at jenniferhefty@coloradoan.com or follow her on Twitter @jenniferhefty. Support her work and the work of the Coloradoan’s 15 other journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today.