Montrose, CO—Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) and Montrose County Public Health has confirmed a second case of novel Coronavirus/COVID-19 on March 23, 2020. The individual is a 35-year-old male and is currently in quarantine at his residence. The individual disclosed that he had recently spent time in Crested Butte. The testing process is overseen by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and was conducted by Montrose County Public Health Department.
“Unfortunately, we are not surprised by a second case in the county,” said Emergency Preparedness Coordinator and Communicable Specialist Lisa Gallegos. “Testing has been delayed and we expect to see results in clusters—which is why today’s numbers on negative tests have also increased. We are continuing to work with Montrose Memorial Hospital and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to provide additional testing for our area.”
Individuals who were pre-screened by local providers and public health were contacted for participation in the drive-through testing. At today’s event, 83 people were tested; 74 from Montrose County and nine from Delta County. The testing was conducted by the Colorado National Guard in conjunction with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment at the Montrose County Event Center—in a similar fashion to the county’s annual drive-through flu shot clinic.
“The drive-through model is key as it limits exposure,” said Incident Commander Scott Hawkins. “The county has been fine-tuning this exercise for the past seven years and those preparations were critical to today’s success.”
“Montrose County would like to thank the members of the Colorado National Guard, CDPHE, and State Patrol that traveled to Montrose County to assist with testing efforts,” said Commissioner Keith Caddy. “We know many of them sacrificed time away from their families and other duties to prioritize public health in Montrose County and we are grateful for their efforts.”
If you are feeling ill with symptoms similar to those associated with COVID-19:
● Manage your symptoms at home the same way you manage other cold symptoms. We want to reduce the risk of transmission, so to the extent possible, people with flu-like symptoms should remain at home.
● If you need medical care, contact your primary care provider via phone. Let them know that you are concerned you might have COVID-19.
● Only contact 9-1-1 for emergencies requiring immediate life-saving care and let them know if you are concerned you might have COVID-19.
● Restrict visits to the hospital emergency room or urgent care - only individuals needing immediate care should visit these facilities. If you must visit an ER or urgent care facility, call ahead and let them know that you are concerned you might have COVID-19.