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Supporting Healthcare
Seniors, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions are at higher risk for adverse health complications if they contract this virus. Now that COVID-19 is present in our community, we recommend that seniors, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions minimize their contact with people in the community.
How Can We Keep Our Community Safe?
Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones From COVID-19...through everyday actions
- Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, or use your inner elbow or sleeve.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wear a cloth or homemade face covering when away from home (see Governor Polis’ Executive Order D 2020 138 requiring masks in public indoor spaces).
- Delta County has also provided a list of personal protective equipment providers.
- Clean surfaces in your home, and personal items such as cell phones, using regular household products.
...through physical distancing
- Stay home, especially if you are sick.
- Don’t shake hands. Instead, greet people by waving, or just saying hello.
- Increase the physical distance between people to six feet to help reduce spread. Consider keeping more distance between yourself and others when exercising or when around others who are exercising (biking, running, walking).
- Encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to maintain physical distancing.
- Postpone travel and stay home unless going out for essential tasks or business. Avoid putting yourself in a situation—whatever that might be—that might increase the risk given your situation.
- Stay connected with loved ones by phone and online. Reach out to people if you need something. Consider if there are ways to attend meetings by phone or online.
...by being prepared
- Make sure you have access to several weeks of medications, food, and supplies in case you need to stay home for prolonged periods of time.
- Help those most at risk of severe illness with COVID-19 get any needed supplies and medications. Offer to make a trip out for them and leave the items on their doorstep.
- Make a plan with your network about:
- how to check in with each other.
- how others can deliver supplies so you can avoid crowds.
- how others can assist you with medical equipment or other needs in an emergency.
What to do if You’re Sick
- Self-Isolate. If you develop a fever, cough or shortness of breath you may need to call your healthcare provider. Do not show up at a clinic, urgent care or the emergency department without calling ahead.
- Wear a mask or cover your cough or sneeze.
- Wash your hands frequently and don’t share personal items (drinking glass or utensils) with others.
- If possible, sleep in a bedroom and use a bathroom that is not used by other household members.
- Get rest and drink plenty of fluids will likely be helpful for recovery.
- See https://covid19.colorado.gov/isolation-and-quarantine for more information.
What is the difference between Isolation and Quarantine?
What should employees/employers do?
- Employees/Employers should screen for COVID-19 symptoms.
- Employees should stay home if sick and isolate.
- If you have symptoms similar to those of COVID-19, call you health care provider to ask about testing; if you do not have a health care provider, contact the Health Department at (970) 874-2165 to ask about testing.
Documents for Employers:
Stay Home From Work if... | English | Spanish |
10Things you can do to Isolate or Quarantine (if you think you may have been exposed). | English | Spanish |
Stay informed with reliable, up-to-date information:
- Delta County COVID-19 Call Center: 970-874-2172, open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- People who have general questions about COVID-19, can call the state’s help line, CO HELP, at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911, or email COHELP@RMPDC.org for answers in English and Spanish (Español).
Mental Health Services
It’s important to make sure you’re taking care of your mental health during this time. Mental health and substance abuse can be heightened during stress so please reach out for help if you, or a family member, need support. There is no shame in asking for help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, helpless or need someone to talk to, Colorado Crisis Services offers free, confidential and professional 24/7 support. Call 1-844-493-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255. For more information, check out the Colorado Crisis Services website.
Links
For additional information on COVID-19, please visit the following resources:
- *NEW* The Colorado "Dial": https://covid19.colorado.gov/data/covid-19-dial/covid-19-dial-dashboard
- Colorado Department of Health and Environment COVID-19 website
- Colorado Department of Health and Environment COVID-19 Data
- Centers for Disease Control page at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
- For Regional Resources visit Mesa County Health Department’s page
- Colorado Department of Labor and Employment: Information and resources regarding sick leave and unemployment for employees affected by COVID-19
- Food Safety and the Coronavirus