CDC recommendations for what you can do to prepare your family in case COVID-19 spreads in your community.
- Know where to find local information on COVID-19 and local trends of COVID-19 cases.
- For Ouray County go to: https://ouraycountyco.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=308
- For Mesa County go to: https://health.mesacounty.us/covid19/#1582785778990-0c5f6785-d84c
- For Montrose County go to https://www.montrosecounty.net/957/Corona-Virus-COVID-19.
- For San Miguel County go to: https://www.sanmiguelcountyco.gov/590/Coronavirus.
- For Colorado specific updates go to: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/2019-novel-coronavirus
- For National updates – CDC Covid19 go to: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/index.html
- Know the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and what to do if symptomatic:
- Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
- The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.*
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
- Stay home when you are sick
- Call your health care provider’s office in advance of a visit
- Limit movement in the community
- Limit visitors
- Know what additional measures those who are at higher risk and who are vulnerable should take.
- Older adults
- People who have serious chronic medical conditions like:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Lung disease
- Implement steps to prevent illness (e.g., stay home when sick, handwashing, respiratory etiquette, clean frequently touched surfaces daily).
- How to Protect Yourself
- There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
- The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
- The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
- How to Protect Yourself
- Have a household plan of action in case of illness in the household or disruption of daily activities due to COVID-19 in the community.
- Consider 2-week supply of prescription and over the counter medications, food and other essentials. Know how to get food delivered if possible.
- Establish ways to communicate with others (e.g., family, friends, co-workers).
- Establish plans to telework, what to do about childcare needs, how to adapt to cancellation of events.
- Practice everyday preventive actions now. Remind everyone in your household of the importance of practicing everyday preventive actions that can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue. (also, per Shirley: cough or sneeze into your elbow if no tissue is available. Always wash your hands immediately after sneezing or coughing into a tissue.)
- Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles) using a regular household detergent and water.
- If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent and water prior to disinfection. For disinfection, a list of products with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved emerging viral pathogens claims, maintained by the American Chemistry Council Center for Biocide Chemistries (CBC), is available at Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fighting Productspdf iconexternal icon. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products.
- 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 a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
- Know about emergency operations plans for schools/workplaces of household members. See above for local advisory websites.
Ridgway Center for Whole Health members should call the clinic for recommendations if you are sick. All other individuals should call their Primary Care Provider for next steps. Only If you are having emergency warning signs as listed above call 911 or go to the ER.
