COVID19 Information

Updates and Information About Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

For the most updated national information visit: The CDC Coronavirus Page.

For previously issued Standing Orders, Press Releases and other local information, click here.

 

Current Updates

Las Animas County Reports Fifth Confirmed Case of COVID-19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2020 

Contact: Kim Gonzales
Public Health Director                

Las Animas County, CO - Las Animas Huerfano Counties District Health Department has received confirmation that a Las Animas County resident has tested positive for Coronavirus Disease/COVID-19. This is the fifth confirmed case of a resident currently within the county.

This individual is in her 60’s and is admitted at the hospital. The Las Animas Huerfano Counties District Health Department public health nurse has begun a contact investigation to determine if there were any additional exposures.

Public health consistently investigates disease outbreaks and will continue to do so, but what is important during this pandemic is that we all stay home and stay safe. No further details about this case will be shared to protect patient privacy.

The health department is looking out for the health and safety of our community and we are tracing all contacts of the individual. We would like to remind everyone that there is a Safer at Home Order.

How do people become infected with COVID 19?

Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:

• Coughing and sneezing;
• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands;
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands; and
• Rarely, fecal contamination.

In some cases, infected persons may not show symptoms or may have only mild symptoms. Learn more about the spread of this coronavirus that is causing COVID-19 on the CDC website.

How can I avoid infection with COVID-19?

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Wear a mask when out to protect yourself and others
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

More information can be found at: https://www.colorado.gov/la-h-health or at https://covid19.colorado.gov/. You can also find information on Facebook at Las Animas Huerfano Counties District Health Department. 

Huerfano County Reports Third Confirmed Case of COVID-19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 7, 2020
Contact: Kim Gonzales
Public Health Director

Huerfano County, CO - Las Animas Huerfano Counties District Health Department has received confirmation that a Huerfano County resident has tested positive for Coronavirus Disease/COVID-19. This is the third confirmed case of a resident currently within the county.

A 10 year old child has tested positive. The child is recovering at home and the family has been quarantined. The Las Animas Huerfano Counties District Health Department public health nurse has begun a contact investigation to determine if there were any additional exposures.

Public health consistently investigates disease outbreaks and will continue to do so, but what is important during this pandemic is that we all stay home and stay safe.

No further details about this case will be shared to protect patient privacy.

The health department is looking out for the health and safety of our community and we are tracing all contacts of the individual. We would like to remind everyone about the Public Health Safer At Home Order 20-28 and the Local Public Health Order 20-03.

Huerfano County community members should also continue to take simple steps to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses including COVID-19:

• Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rubbing for at least 20 seconds, or using alcoholbased sanitizer if soap and water are not available;
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing;
• Stay home if you are sick;
• Regularly clean high-touch surfaces.
• When you have to go out for essential items practice social distancing, minimize your time out and wash your hands as soon as possible afterward.
• Wear a facial covering if you are going out into the public

More information can be found at: https://www.colorado.gov/la-h-health or at https://covid19.colorado.gov/. You can also find information on Facebook at Las Animas Huerfano Counties District Health Department.

Colorado COVID 19 – Hot Spots

This list is subject to change as cases increase across in Colorado.
As of March 31, 2020

What You Should Know

What is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

Have there been cases of COVID-19 in the U.S.?

Yes. The first case of COVID-19 in the United States was reported on January 21, 2020. The current count of cases of COVID-19 in the United States is available on CDC’s webpage at CDC list of US Coronavirus Cases..

How does COVID-19 spread?

The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, but now it seems to be spreading from person to person. It’s important to note that person-to-person spread can happen on a continuum. Some diseases are highly contagious (like measles), while other diseases are less so. Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses at CDC information about Coronavirus Transmission.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of

• fever
• cough
• shortness of breath

What are severe complications from this virus?

Many patients have pneumonia in both lungs.

How can I help protect myself?

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19.

There are simple everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. These include:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should:

• Stay home when you 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.
  

Is there a vaccine?
There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19.

Is there a treatment?
There is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms.

Who is at higher risk?

Early information shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. This includes:

• Older adults
• People who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, lung disease.

If you are at higher risk because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is extra important to take actions to reduce the risk of getting sick with the disease. If you are at higher risk of getting sick from COVID-19, you should:

• Stock up on supplies
• Take every day precautions to keep space between yourself and others.
• When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
• Avoid crowds as much as possible.
• Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
• Reduce your risk of being exposed.