3/25/20 Update 

Official Sources of Information

Fb.com/montrosecounty

https://www.montrosecounty.net/957/Corona-Virus-COVID-19

Public Information Line 970-252-4545; Open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm

STAY AT HOME ORDER

Governor Polis issued a “Stay at Home” order for all Coloradans effective at 6am on Thursday, March 26. Read the full order here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O1EDCY6-A6QBKxzDImCSF8bBBdOOI3Km/view and FAQ here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16nO05S6q0AGBew32r0NYelifwk11uDMO/view.

TESTING INFORMATION

To date, 186 tests have been given in Montrose County (this includes tests performed by the Colorado National Guard).  Of that number, 151 are pending tests, 29 are negative tests and six* are positive cases. Montrose County Public Health has a test site available for individuals who meet criteria to be tested. In order to be tested, please CALL your primary care provider first and describe your symptoms.

POSITIVE CASES

3/20/20: 39-year-old male in self-quarantine at home (unknown exposure)

3/20/20: 35-year-old male in self-quarantine at home (travel to Crested Butte)

3/24/20: 27-year-old female in self-quarantine in home (*was out in the Montrose and Delta communities on 3/16)

3/34/20: 88-year-old male in self-quarantine at home (unknown exposure)

3/25/20: 84-year-old male, hospitalized

*3/25/20: Potential Case #6; currently under investigation but will be treated as a positive in the interest of patient and public safety

YOUTH
The Emergency Operations Center has heard reports of children getting together for play dates and hanging out. We know it is hard to remain socially distanced, but we highly discourage parents from sending children to sleepovers, play dates, or other gatherings at this time. It is important to remember that children may not be symptomatic, but still could be carrying the virus. The sleepovers or other gatherings could cause spread back to the homes of parents and risk additional community spread.

I’M FEELING SICK . . . WHAT SHOULD I DO? 
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.

BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR
Please call your neighbors, do they have enough supplies? Are they getting these updates? We ask that you as a community come together to help push this information to those that might not have internet access.

SCHOOL LUNCH RESOURCES (FREE OF CHARGE)
Montrose County School District: school lunches are being provided by Montrose County School District RE1-J from 11am to 1pm on Monday to Friday at designated walk-up or drive-through locations. The following are designated pick up locations (students in schools served are in parenthesis): Centennial Middle School (Cottonwood, Johnson, Centennial); Northside Elementary School (Northside, Oak Grove, Peak Academy); Montrose High School (Early Childhood Center, Columbine, Pomona, Vista Charter, Montrose High School); and Olathe Elementary School (Olathe Elementary and Olathe Middle/High). Please make sure to pick up meals at the site designated for your school.

West End Public Schools: school lunches provided by West End Family Link Center in Nucla and the Naturita Elementary School (bus loop) Monday to Friday from 12pm to 2pm.

MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANCE
The Center for Mental Health has added resources to its crisis line. Services are available at 970-252-6220 or text “TALK” to 38255.

DONATION ASSISTANCE
Montrose Community Foundation has created the Montrose Emergency Relief Fund is response the COVID-19 protective measures that are now in place. The fund will help provide flexible resources to organizations in the greater Montrose County area working with communities that are impacted by this pandemic. Visit www.montrosecf.org to donate or checks may be mail payable to the Montrose Community Foundation, PO Box 3020, Montrose, CO 81402.

TBD: A personal protective equipment drive for healthcare providers is being held Monday, March 30, and Tuesday, March 31, from 2-4pm at the Montrose High School. Items being requested include: eye protection and goggles, face shields, surgical masks, N95 masks, sterile and non-sterile gloves, disposable gowns, and biohazard bags.  

BUSINESS UPDATE
The Montrose Business Update is every Wednesday at 8:30am. Sign up for the Business Update Zoom Call through the Facebook Event on the @montrosedart Facebook page. They will be discussing labor, employment, business relief and economic boosting ideas. Sheet of resources will be emailed to registered attendees each week and each session will be recorded for later viewing.

West End: for west end information business information (including a list of businesses open and delivering), please visit www.choosewestend.org or contact Deana Sheriff at dsheriff@choosewestend.org.

GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDERS
For more information on the executive orders issued by Governor Jared Polis: https://www.colorado.gov/governor/2020-executive-orders