First Case of COVID-19 Confirmed in Park County

Park County Public Health is reporting the first case with a positive laboratory test of COVID-19 in the county.

The patient is a male in his 20s who was probably exposed in another county on the front-range. The patient was not hospitalized and is self-isolating at his residence. The patient has been working with public health officials in the investigation to identify anyone he may have had contact with.

Park County Public Health and its partners will focus their response on slowing the spread of the disease locally. These efforts will require community assistance. While approximately 80% of people who have contracted COVID-19 have relatively mild illness, there are greater risks for complications among older adults, especially above the age of 80 years, as well as for people with pre-existing health conditions.

Public Health officials are reminding residents and visitors that the individual precautions they can take to limit exposure to themselves are the same precautions that can help slow the spread of COVID-19 within the community. These precautions will also help protect people in our community who may be at greatest risk for complications if they get infected.

Protect Yourself

Practice social distancing: Don’t shake hands. Instead, bump fists or elbows. When possible, increase distance between people to six feet to help reduce spread. Do not attend public gatherings.
Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating or touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
If you are sick, stay at home.
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.

What to do if you are Sick

Stay home if you develop a fever, cough, or shortness of breath.
Wear a mask or cover your cough and sneeze.
Wash your hands frequently and do not share personal items (drinking glasses or utensils) with others.
Call your healthcare provider. Do not show up at a clinic, urgent care or the emergency department unannounced.

You doctor’s office will assess your illness on the phone and provide information or guidance for you, household members, and other close contacts.

Testing for COVID-19 is not a routine test. Your healthcare provider will assess your symptoms and risk for the disease based on guidance from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Since many of the illnesses are mild, we expect most COVID-19 patients will be isolated in their own home to rest and recover. If possible, sleep in a bedroom and use a bathroom that is not used by other household members.

There is no antiviral treatment for COVID-19. Getting rest and drinking plenty of fluids will likely be helpful for recovery. Only the most critically ill will be hospitalized. Public Health officials also recommend residents prepare for an emergency that might require them to stay at home for several days, including having food supplies, water and medications.

Stay Informed

CO HELP Hotline at 1-877-462-2911
COVID-19 in Colorado: www.colorado.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov.
Park County Government: www.parkco.us/86/Public-Health.
COVID-19 News Updates: heartoftherockiesradio.com/tag/coronavirus

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Dan R

Danny “Dan R” Ridenour has been in radio and television broadcasting for over 40 years, starting as a senior in high school in Rogers, Arkansas. His radio career has had stops in Nashville, Memphis, Oklahoma, and eventually, Colorado. Dan enjoys being involved in the community, having been a member of the Upper Arkansas Service Club and is currently on the board of directors for the Salida Community Center and is a member of the Chaffee County Fair Committee. He and his wife Carrie spend their days doing everything the mountains have to offer: hiking, camping, fishing and skiing. They've raised 3 children and have 2 grandchildren.

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