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 6, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.
COVID-19 Update
Numbers do not add up since 2 positives are probable positives and are not counted in the number of in-county tests.
| Positive Cases | Deaths | |
|---|---|---|
| Grand County | 4 | 0 |
| Colorado | 5,172 | 150 |
| United States | 330,891 | 8,910 |
| Current Testing Status in Grand County | |
|---|---|
| Tests Performed | 75 |
| Negative Tests | 63 |
| Pending Tests | 6 |
| Positive Tests | 4 |
Colorado Mask Project
Research shows that masks can help block the spread of COVID-19, especially by preventing people who are asymptomatically infected from spreading the disease unknowingly. That’s why government officials—including Governor Jared Polis—are recommending their widespread use. However, given the current mask shortages impacting medical professionals, it’s essential that the general public leaves the supply of N95 medical masks to healthcare workers.
That’s how DIY masks can help! By providing every Coloradan with a DIY mask, we can protect medical professionals on the front lines, help flatten the curve—and most importantly keep each other safe.
How to Wear a Cloth Face Covering
Cloth face coverings should—fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face, be secured with ties or ear loops, cover both the nose and mouth, include multiple layers of fabric, allow for breathing without restriction, and be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape. Always make sure your DIY masks are clean (a dirty mask might be worse than no mask), and never use a mask as an excuse to violate social-distancing orders.
Making Cloth Face Coverings
There are lots of great instructional videos out there. CDC has provided Sew and No Sew Instructions on DIY masks. In addition, there are many groups and resources found on ColoradoMaskProject.com. When making masks, use materials you already have at home. Do not break the physical distancing or stay-at-home orders.
Face Covering Maintenance
To safely remove a face covering, individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their face covering and wash hands immediately after removing. They should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use. A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a face covering.
April 4, 2020 at 2:30 p.m.
COVID-19 Update
Numbers do not add up since 2 positives are probable positives and are not counted in the number of in-county tests.
| Positive Cases | Deaths | |
|---|---|---|
| Grand County | 4 | 0 |
| Colorado | 4,173 | 111 |
| United States | 277,305 | 6,593 |
| Current Testing Status in Grand County | |
|---|---|
| Tests Performed | 64 |
| Negative Tests | 55 |
| Pending Tests | 7 |
| Positive Tests | 4 |
Weekend Outlook
While recreating is an allowed activity under the statewide Stay-at-Home order, it is our hope that the Short-Term Lodging Order combined with strong public messaging, that the number of visitors will remain low over the weekend. We’ve added electronic signboards reminding folks of the Order and not to hitchhike, and Dispatch has made a request to CDOT that their signboards reflect that as well. In addition, State Patrol continues their commitment to patrol the area and the Sherriff plans on monitoring social distancing requirements. However, if you still feel the need to report a violation please call 970-725-3803 or file an online form at https://www.co.grand.co.us/violation.
Colorado Mask Campaign
On Friday, April 3, Governor Polis announced the Colorado Mask Campaign encouraging Coloradans to wear non-medical cloth face coverings when leaving the home for essential business. By April 15, everyone should wear a mask when outside of their home for necessary activities. While this is not required, the Governor is encouraging all Coloradans to wear a cloth face covering when going out in public. We all should be committed to doing everything we can to not only keep vulnerable people safe but help prevent our doctors and nurses from being overwhelmed by this pandemic.
There is no need to buy a mask! You can repurpose a t-shirt, a dish towel, a bandana, or other fabric items into a mask that fits your face! There are great instructions online at coloradomaskproject.com.
Because of the CDC’s announcement that up to 1 in 4 people infected with COVID are asymptomatic and spreading infected respiratory droplets, wearing face coverings will help reduce spread. Many people are not aware that they are spreading COVID-19 because they don’t have symptoms, or their symptoms are mild. With up to 25% of people not knowing they may be carrying COVID-19, it is a good idea to have everyone wear a face covering.
Staying at home is still the best way to prevent the spread, but when you need to leave your house for necessities or if you work in a critical, non-medical field, wearing a bandana or non-medical mask made of cloth on your face can help prevent the spread to others.
Because of the lack of medical-grade masks that are so crucial to protecting health care providers on the front lines, it is paramount that these types of masks not be sought after or used by the general public. N95 and surgical masks are prioritized for front-line health care professionals only. It is recommended that everyone else wear cloth face coverings.