Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Routt County Public Health Orders

Routt County Commissioners acting as the Public Health Agency for the area issued the following Public Health Orders on Tuesday, March 24, which are in effect for 30 days:

The following Frequently Asked Questions documents are available on the Health Order and COVID-19:

CDC Testing Guidance

Three types of people:

Those who have symptoms such as fever OR lower respiratory symptoms (cough or shortness of breath) and have had "close contact" with a confirmed coronavirus patient within 14 days of their first symptoms.
Those who have fever AND/OR lower respiratory symptoms, require hospitalization, and have traveled to areas impacted by the epidemic in the last 14 days.
Patients with fever and severe, acute lower respiratory symptoms who require hospitalization, and for whom no other diagnosis has been found — such as the flu. No travel or contact exposure is needed.

How It Spreads

Since COVID-19 is a new disease and there is more to learn about the virus, the current understanding about how it spreads is largely based on what is known about similar respiratory illnesses.

Person to person contact:
- To become sick, you have to be exposed to the virus. CDC defines exposure as being within 6 feet (2 meters) of someone with a confirmed infection for a prolonged period of time.
- Exposure can occur through respiratory droplets-- when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how flu and other respiratory viruses spread.
Infected surfaces or objects:
- It may be possible to get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
For these reasons, people at increased risk of infection are:
- People who have been to areas where widespread community transmission is occurring.
- People who had direct close contact with someone who was confirmed to have COVID-19.
- Like any other virus, no identity, community, ethnic, or racial group in Colorado is more at risk for getting or spreading COVID-19.
- Following federal guidance, state and local public health agencies are working together to evaluate Colorado travelers returning from areas where widespread community transmission is occurring, in order to determine the need for monitoring, quarantine, or other restriction of movement and activities.

Protecting Yourself and Others from COVID-19

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Below are suggested measures from the CDC that can prevent the spread of respiratory diseases:

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.
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.
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.

Resources

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is providing a phone line to answer questions from the public about COVID-19.
- For answers in many languages including English, Spanish (Español), Mandarin (普通话), and more:
  - Call 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911
  - Email COHELP@RMPDC.org
If you have symptoms and think you have been exposed, call ahead to your health care provider.
- UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center offers Ask-A-Nurse, a 24/7 call line staffed by registered nurses who can assess symptoms and provide advice on seeking care. In Routt County, Ask-A-Nurse can be reached by calling 970-871-7878.
- Steamboat Emergency Center
  - 970-846-6230
- If patients are experiencing severe symptoms or having difficulty breathing, they should visit the hospital’s emergency department.