COVID-19 Updates

Please understand that this is a rapidly changing situation, we will keep you posted with new information as soon as we have it.

April 2, 2020 at 8:00 p.m.

COVID-19 Daily Update

Numbers do not add up since 2 positives are probable positives and are not counted in the number of in-county tests.

Operations

This week efforts have been focused on preparing alternative care sites. Today, the agreements for these sites were secured. The sites are able to be set up and used as soon as they are needed.

The Grand County Public Health Order temporarily suspending Short-Term Lodging went into effect this evening at 5:00 p.m. MST. Our Team received many questions during the past 48-hrs in regards to the Order and what it means to motels, hotels, and long-term rentals throughout the county. Because of this, the county website has been updated with the answers to many frequently asked questions and a detailed list of essential business as described by the state.

Survey Results Released from State about COVID-19

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) released results from a survey asking Coloradans about their perceptions and attitudes related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 45,000 Coloradans completed the survey between March 22 and March 24, 2020.

This survey was fielded among a sample of Coloradans who accessed the survey by going to the CDPHE website. The complete dashboard is available on CDPHE’s website. Keep in mind that the survey was taken prior to the statewide stay-at-home order.

Scam Alert

Scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding coronavirus and are trying to exploit the pandemic response to steal your personal information and money. They are impersonating public health agencies, hospitals, federal financial agencies and more. Be alert and verify any unsolicited phone calls or emails.

FACT: There is currently no vaccine and no specific treatment to prevent or treat a coronavirus infection.

Do not give money to anyone that claims a payment will put you on a list to fast-track receiving a vaccination or to “investment opportunities” or offers to crowdfund for a cure. Additionally, be wary of anyone touting any type of medical miracle or holistic cures. Scammers may also try to take advantage of the kindness of others for their own benefit. If someone asks you to donate money toward a community charity, we strongly suggest you research organizations prior to donating money.

April 1, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.

COVID-19 Daily Update

Numbers do not add up since 2 positives are probable positives and are not counted in the number of in-county tests.

Yesterday, Grand County Public Health (GCPH) executed a Public Health Order related to the necessary restriction of Short-Term Lodging in Grand County. The Public Health Order prohibits all Short-Term Lodging (STR) operations from conducting business and taking new reservations until April 30 and will go into effect tomorrow, April 2, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. MST.

Short-Term Lodging:

Short-Term Lodging is defined as all lodging for a term of 30 days or less and includes, but is not limited to:

• Campgrounds (whether private or government-operated);
• Reserved camping sites;
• Hotels, motels, bed and breakfast establishments;
• Lodges;
• Retreats;
• and Short-Term Rentals (30 days or less).  

Exceptions:

Exceptions as defined in the Order, all of which are subject to approval, include:

• Guests who have stayed or plan to stay longer than 30 consecutive days;
• Any guests staying at your facility that qualify as critical workers for the “essential business” under Colorado’s statewide Stay-at-Home Order;
• and individual(s) experiencing symptoms of illness or who are under a quarantine or isolation order from Grand County Public Health.

Short -Term Lodging owners and managers may submit a request for exemption from the Order by filling out the online Exemption Form found under “Contact Us” on the right side of this page. Submitted forms will be reviewed by Grand County Public Health, and you will only receive follow-up communication from Grand County Public Health if clarification is required or if the exemption is denied.

Questions about Short-Term Lodging may be directed to liaison@co.grand.co.us or 970-725-3808.  Questions can also be directed to 970-725-3737.  To report any Public Health Order violations, including the STR Order, fill out the online violation form at co.grand.co.us/violation. 

March 31, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. 

Grand County Issues Public Health Order

GRAND COUNTY, CO – Grand County Public Health has issued a public health order on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, prohibiting all Short-Term Lodging (STR) operations from operating and taking new reservations until April 30, 2020, designed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Grand County; it also aligns with orders from the State of Colorado that were implemented on March 26, 2020. The Public Health Order will become effective Thursday, April 2, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. MST.

The Public Health Order includes the following:

• State and Federal Social Distancing Requirements, and Prohibitions and Restrictions on Certain Events, Gatherings, Business Operations, and Other Activities Remain in Full Force in Grand County.
• This Order prohibits all Short-Term Lodging (STR) operations from operating and taking new reservations from the date of this Order until April 30, 2020.
• The Order defines Short-Term Lodging as all lodging for a term of 30 days or less and includes, but is not limited to, campgrounds (whether private or government-operated), reserved camping sites, hotels, motels, bed and breakfast establishments, lodges, retreats and “short term rentals” (30 days or less).  Consecutive 30-day lodging terms will be treated as Short-Term Lodging unless separated by a 15-day gap in occupancy.
• All short term lodging units must be vacated through April 30, 2020.
• STR owners are encouraged to temporarily suspend advertising for their rental units.  Regardless, any STR owners who continue to advertise their rental units must include in any advertisement that the unit is not available for rent during the period of time this Order prohibiting Short-Term Lodging is in effect.
• Exceptions are defined in the Order, all of which are subject to approval of the Grand County Public Health Director.
• For the avoidance of doubt, dispersed camping on Federal public lands is permitted so long as campers are otherwise in compliance with this Order and practicing social distancing, and are in compliance with the rules and regulations of the applicable federal agency.
• Failure to comply with the Order is subject to a fine of up to five thousand (5,000) dollars, imprisonment in the county jail, and may lead to suspension or revocation of the property’s issued Short-Term Rental permit.

 “This extreme measure is necessary to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our community based on the data we are seeing in Grand County,” Medical Director, Dr. Darcy Selenke stated. 

Local authorities will work toward voluntary compliance or will utilize the proper means necessary to enforce this order. If you have questions regarding this Order please call the 24-Hour STR Hotline at 970-725-6022 or Grand County Short Term Rentals at 970-725-3737. To report violations of the Order or others, please visit CO.GRAND.CO.US/VIOLATION.

View Full Press Release

View Full Public Health Order

March 30, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.

COVID-19 Update

Yesterday, Grand County Public Health (GCPH) was notified of a confirmed positive test result for COVID-19 involving a healthcare professional working and residing in Grand County. The significant other of this individual will be counted by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) as a “probable” case. This brings the total positive cases in Grand County to four. The number of tests performed went down due to two tests that were unable to be run. 

What’s new from The Grand County COVID-19 Response Team:

• There was a confirmed positive case of COVID-19 yesterday
• We are working with the county and the towns to address short-term rentals
• As the Board of Health is not in session this week, the commissioners are each meeting separately with the Team in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
• Our local media reporters will be touring the EOC this week 
• Operations is securing isolation locations and alternative care facilities should they be needed
• Logistics has placed orders for critical supplies and resources to support the Team’s mission
• An electronic signboard is active on Berthoud Pass reminding people of the “Stay-at-Home” Order
• The Team is working with the USFS and Clear Creek County to mitigate the activity on Berthoud Pass
• Our Human Services and Mental Health Branches are working tirelessly to provide necessary services to our community. Visit HealthyGrandCounty.org for resources available
• WorkInGrand.com is committed to assisting local businesses navigate closures and economic impacts

Grand County law enforcement agencies ask that the public please be kind to each other--the strength of this community depends on compassion, empathy and tolerance. 

“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.”

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.

March 29, 2020 at 4:30 p.m.

Confirmed Positive Case of COVID-19 in Grand County

Today Grand County Public Health (GCPH) was notified of a confirmed positive test result for COVID-19 involving a healthcare professional working and residing in Grand County. The confirmed individual provided a sample for testing on March 26, and GCPH was notified today by the facility where the patient sought testing. This brings the total positive cases in Grand County to three.

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.

“We have been expecting more positive cases in Grand County for several weeks, so another case should not surprise anybody. This is no cause for panic or anxiety as our public health officials and medical experts have been making every effort to put every precaution possible in place,” stated Brad White, Incident Commander (IC) for the COVID-19 Response Team. Jim Kraker, Deputy IC, added, “No one wants to hear news of the virus among healthcare workers or first responders, as they are on the front lines of this pandemic. However, the community should be reassured that GCPH has been working diligently for a long time to prepare for this.”

GCPH and your local law enforcement agencies strongly advise everyone to obey the Stay-At-Home Order--it is the law. Travel to or within Grand County is NOT ALLOWED unless it is for necessary business or services. Necessary activities include obtaining food and other household necessities, going to and from work at critical businesses, seeking medical care, caring for dependents or pets, or caring for a vulnerable person in another location. We all need to do our part during this challenging time--it could mean saving a life. 

If you are concerned about your symptoms, please call your primary care provider for guidance. Your healthcare professional will work with county and state public health departments and the CDC to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19. If you do not have a primary care physician, call your nearest healthcare facility.

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. 

March 28, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.

COVID-19 Situational Update

Please remember the Governor’s Stay-At-Home Order remains in effect until April 11 and all individuals currently living within the State of Colorado are ordered to stay at home whenever possible. The intent is to minimize contact between people and to minimize the exposure of the public to contaminated public surfaces and people.

Individuals may leave their residences only for necessary activities. If it is necessary to leave your home, you should at all times comply with social distancing requirements.  Social distancing requirements mandate that individuals shall maintain at least a six-foot distance from others, wash hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds as frequently as possible or use hand sanitizer, cover coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands), and regularly clean hard surfaces.

Grand County Public Health (GCPH) and your local law enforcement agencies urge residents and visitors to obey the law and stay home. Do not travel to or within Grand County unless it is for essential business or services. New reservations through VRBO, Airbnb and other online rental platforms should be used for essential business only and not recreation or isolation. We all need to do our part during this challenging time--it could mean saving a life.

Necessary activities include:

• Obtaining food and other household necessities
• Caring for a family member, a vulnerable person, or a pet in another household, or to care for livestock kept at a location other than an individual’s home
• Delivering those services or supplies to others, such as food, pet supplies, other household consumer products, and products or equipment necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and critical operation of a residence
• Engaging in outdoor activity, such as, walking, hiking, nordic skiing, snowshoeing, biking or running near their home. State parks will remain open to the public to engage in walking, hiking, biking, running, and similar outdoor activities but all playgrounds, picnic areas, other similar areas conducive to public gathering are closed
• Seeking medical care
• Performing work for critical industries

Please call 970-725-3803 with questions, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Colorado State Patrol has set up a call center that is open seven days a week: 1-833-598-5553. Please let our County dispatchers focus on 9-1-1 calls and use these numbers. Thank you for your continued cooperation and support.

March 27, 2020 at 2:20 p.m.

COVID-19 Update

Happy Friday Grand County! Currently, we only have two positive cases, but we continue to screen and test individuals daily per state and federal guidelines.  We all must do our part for the safety of everyone. By self-quarantining and following the orders of our Governor, we can keep the demand on our limited resources manageable and keep the healthcare resources available to the people who most need it.

• Stay home! The order from Governor Polis is in effect from March 26 until April 11
• “Stay at home” means to stay in your place of residence and not leave unless necessary to provide, support, perform, or operate “essential services”
• For a list of frequently asked questions about what is considered “essential” click HERE
• Grand County has 19 licensed hospital beds (no intensive care beds) and five ventilators
• Mountain Family Center is providing food and services to both Grand and Jackson counties
• The Grand Foundation established the COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund for vulnerable people
• To volunteer contact Outbreak of Kindness, a response initiative led by Church of the Eternal Hills
• Mind Springs Health is offering all of their outpatient services virtually: call 970-887-2179
• If you are concerned about domestic violence, call the Victims Advocates 24/7: 970-725-3412
• Grand County’s law enforcement partners ask for voluntary compliance of the Governor’s order to stay home--they can’t do it alone. They need your help!
• Call Colorado Crisis Line for free 24/7 mental health support at 1-844-493-8255; Text “TALK” to 38255
• Visit healthygrandcounty.org for more information about any of the local resources mentioned above

March 26, 2020 at 4:55 p.m.

COVID-19 Update

Good afternoon Grand County! It is our mission to provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information during the COVID-19 outbreak. This is a rapidly evolving situation and fear of the unknown can create anxiety in all of us. Our team is working diligently to gather and distribute the right information to you so you can make the right decisions for yourself and your family.

• Stay at home! The order from Governor Polis is in effect from March 26 until April 11
• Washing your hands helps prevent the spread of COVID-19 and all viruses
• Stay six feet away from other people if you must go out for food or medications
• Check on your family and friends by phone or email
• Enjoy the outdoors, but do it close to home and only with your household members
• The medical facilities in our county are testing sick patients daily for COVID-19
• According to the World Health Organization, about 80% of COVID-19 cases are mild
• Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath
• There is currently no evidence that household pets can get or spread COVID-19
• Blaming others will not help fight the virus. Seeking and sharing accurate information will.
• Call Colorado Crisis Line for free 24/7 mental health support at 1-844-493-8255; Text “TALK” to 38255

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