In an effort to engage their resources at those who would be most affected by the COVID-19 virus, Mesa County Public Health, in co-operation with local hospitals as well as health care providers are working to collect samples from patients who have already been screened for the COVID-19 virus.

Once a local health care provider has determined an individual is at risk, the screen will then be taken to the secondary lab where a determination will be made as to whether or not a person has COVID-19.

The primary focus will be on those who have been identified as the highest risk. And highest risk, as defined by the CDC is:

Early information out of China, where COVID-19 first started, shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. This includes:

  • Older Adults
  • People with chronic medical conditions such as:
  • Heart Disease
  • Diabetes
  • Lung Disease

For most patients, COVID-19 isn't an emergency medical condition, so make sure you call ahead and do not go to the emergency room unless instructed to do so, in order to keep the community safe.

The disease most likely spreads the same way as 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 your mouth, nose, or possibly your 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 has COVID-19.

If you have questions, call the COVID-19 Hotline at 970-683-2300.


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Looking for Info About the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Colorado’s COVID-19 Hotline

CO-HELP is Colorado’s call line for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). People who have general questions about COVID-19 can call CO HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911, for answers in many languages, or email them at COHELP@RMPDC.org for answers in English.

Helpful Links:

Center for Disease Control & Prevention

World Health Organization

Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment

Mesa County Public Health

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