Woman in her 50s tests presumptive positive for COVID-19 in Eagle County

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued a release on Friday stating a woman in her 50s tested “presumptive positive” for COVID-19, or novel coronavirus, in Eagle County. Here’s the press release:

DENVER, March 6: The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s state lab had six additional presumptive positive tests today; at least five of the cases had an international travel history. The state is coordinating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on flights that may have had a COVID-19 case.

The health department is releasing the following information about the six additional cases of COVID-19 in Colorado. 

As of March 6, 2020, eight cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Colorado:

Denver County

• One case in a man in his 40s. The investigation is ongoing. 
• One case in a woman in her 70s, exposed during international travel.

Douglas County

• One case in a school-aged female, exposed during international travel.
• One case in a woman in her 40s, exposed during international travel. 
• One case in a woman in her 70s, exposed during international travel. 

Eagle County

• One case in a woman in her 50s, exposed during international travel. 

El Paso County

• One case in a man in his 40s. The investigation is ongoing.

Summit County

• One case in a man in his 30s, an out-of-state resident who was exposed during international travel or through contact with an out-of-state case.

This week, the state laboratory expanded testing guidelines to ensure early detection– and slow down and limit transmission. 

“The increase in positive tests is not unexpected, and based on the experience of other states, the public health and health care systems have been preparing for additional cases,” said Executive Director Jill Hunsaker Ryan.  

When cases test positive, the individual and their close contacts like family members and roommates are asked to voluntarily “isolate” (isolation is in the case of a person with a positive COVID test) or “quarantine” themselves (quarantine is if there is a suspected exposure), while the state or local public health agency work to identify other possible contacts. Public health agencies can issue individual quarantine and isolation orders requiring individuals to remain at home for a certain period of time. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and local public health agencies began to issue orders yesterday with the announcement of positive cases.

Per protocol, local public health agencies are acting as the lead investigator on cases involving people who reside within their jurisdictions and will provide information as necessary and appropriate to protect the public’s health. The state will provide technical assistance to counties and will act as the lead investigator on any cases that occur in Colorado but involve residents of other states or countries.  The department will update numbers on our website and provide daily media summaries over the course of the coming days. 

COVID-19 is primarily spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People who have sustained contact within six feet of an infected individual are most at risk of transmission.

The department continues to work closely with the CDC and public health agencies across the state and is committed to protecting the health and safety of Coloradans. Health officials advise Coloradans to stay informed, take simple disease prevention measures, and prepare. 

• Practice good hygiene. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. In the absence of soap and water, use hand-sanitizer; use a tissue or your elbow or sleeve to cover coughs and sneezes 
• Stay home if you’re sick; keep your children home if they are sick. Talk to your employer about working from home if possible.
• We advise Coloradans to always be prepared for an emergency and have a plan for your family. Coloradans can visit the CDC’s website for more information on how to create a plan.  
• Stay informed with reliable, up-to-date information. People who have general questions about coronavirus disease 2019, can call CO HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 or email  COHELP@RMPDC.org, for answers in English and Spanish (Español), Mandarin (普通话), and more. Coloradans can also visit the CDC and CDPHE websites for more information on best practices.
• If you have upcoming travel plans visit the CDC’s website for latest travel information.