Confirmed Positive Case of COVID-19 Associated with Grand County, Colorado Healthcare Professional
On Sunday March 29 Middle Park Health, MPH, was notified that a healthcare professional had tested positive for COVID-19. This is the first healthcare professional who has tested positive for COVID-19 in Grand County.
Middle Park Health in conjunction with Grand County Public Health, GCPH, is investigating this case and is contacting everyone with very close, prolonged contact with the infected person during the specific timeframe of exposure. GCPH officials emphasize that they are following the protocols put in place by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Centers for Disease Controls (CDC). A link to the CDC’s risk exposure table that explains the categories of risk considered by GCPH can be found here: CDC Exposure Risk Categories. They also must adhere to strict HIPAA laws protecting patient health information.
Our primary focus is the health and safety of our staff and the public. This is a matter we take very seriously. While it is justifiably unsettling to members of the community we are prepared and have fail-safes in place for this across our system. In adherence with CDC guidelines, the healthcare professional is in isolation and monitoring their symptoms. Middle Park Health has taken all necessary precautions leading up to this positive case and will continue to do so. Precautions include monitoring all employee’s vital signs even if they are asymptomatic, increasing all cleaning and sanitizing measures following guidelines from CDC, limiting visitors, requiring use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for both employees and patients, off-site testing, separating well patient visits from sick visits, etc. All employees are required to use PPE to include masks during all patient contact.
“COVID-19 has quickly changed the world we live in. This is a rapidly evolving situation. I want to assure our community that we have planned and prepared. We are taking action to first and foremost ensure the safety and well-being of our team members and community and prevent the spread of the virus,” stated Jason Cleckler, Middle Park Health CEO.
Up-to-date information can be found at CO.GRAND.CO.US/COVID19. For specific questions regarding the Team’s response please call 970-725-3803 or email jicgrandcounty@gmail.com. For questions about the Governor’s Stay-At-Home Order call the Colorado State Patrol at 1-833-598-5553. Please refrain from calling County dispatch (9-1-1) and use the numbers above.
