SM County: Public Health Order, COVID-19 Update & Holiday Travel Precautions

26 Oct SM County: Public Health Order, COVID-19 Update & Holiday Travel Precautions

San Miguel County, among the top 10 healthiest communities in the country according to US News & World Report. The following post by Lindsey Wells features things to remember if essential travel takes you away from home this season.

For up-to-date coronavirus information in San Miguel County visit here.

To review the amendment to the Safer at Home public health order visit here.

To review the CDPHE’s Step Up campaign visit here.

Grace Franklin, County Public Health Director.

Public Health has confirmed one new positive case of COVID-19 from test results received the 20th through the 23rd of October. The 29-year- old female resident is symptomatic and in isolation. There have been 98 total COVID cases to date with one active case. If you’re interested in learning more about the County’s current COVID-19 metrics, please visit the County COVID-19 dashboard.

Governor Jared Polis recently amended the Safer at Home public health order to limit personal gatherings to no more than 10  people from no more than two separate households and announced a new campaign to reignite attention to the COVID-19 pandemic as cases spike across the state.

Step Up Colorado launched in an effort to encourage Coloradans to check their behavior, continue working to protect their communities and prepare for the holidays with COVID-19 in mind.

Plans are coming together for the holidays and now, more than ever, it’s important that we change our behavior to adapt to the continuing pandemic. Non-essential travel over the coming months should be avoided. People who are sick, have recently tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19, or have been exposed to a person with COVID-19 should delay travel and stay home.

A simple multi-layer cloth mask or disposable surgical mask has proven effective in preventing the spread of the virus. For travel on any public transportation such as airplanes, buses, trains or ferries, be sure your mask is comfortable and has no gaps on the sides. Your mask should fit easily over your nose and mouth without digging into your skin or leaving space for droplets to escape.

If you have to travel for the holidays, bring cleaning or sanitizing wipes with you that contain an EPA-approved disinfectant. Use them to disinfect high-contact surfaces that you’ll have to interact with for prolonged intervals like armrests, tray tables, doorknobs, remote controls and light switches. Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content can also prove useful when bathrooms for hand-washing are not readily available.

“The holidays are going to feel a bit different this year, we know that will be very hard for many who have spent the last months far from family and friends,” said Public Health Director Grace Franklin. “But by staying home, you can help limit the spread of the virus which will aid in ending the pandemic sooner than later.”

Upon returning from travel, it is important to consider your risk of exposure over the course of your time away. Engaging in lower-risk activities like a nearby road trip with your household to experience the outdoors during the holidays will make your return home less risky for the community.

Higher risk activities like flying, indoor dinners, parties or gatherings with inconsistent mask use increase your risk of exposure. If you’ve engaged in high-risk activities, consider working remotely and limiting your interactions with others for 14 days after your return.

Remember, your behavior is the factor you can fully control during this pandemic. Protect your family, friends and community by making responsible decisions with your loved ones in mind.

San Miguel County will continue posting caseload updates twice a week.

Five Commitments of Containment:

• Wear a mask
• Maintain six feet of physical distance
• Minimize group size
• Wash hands frequently
• Stay home when sick and get tested