RBC | Rio Blanco County Public Health has reported the first positive COVID-19 test result in the county as of Thursday morning, April 2, 2020.
A statement released by RBC Public Health stated, “we affirm the patient has been appropriately isolated and instructed on COVID-19 self-care home recovery procedures. Due to HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) confidentiality, no other details will be made public at this time.
We are identifying and implementing additional precautionary measures to prevent further spread, including the notice and quarantine of close contacts with this case. We ask Rio Blanco County residents to remain vigilant and continue practicing social distancing, hand washing and other preventative measures as this is a community-wide effort.
Rio Blanco County will continue taking necessary steps in order to keep the community safe which includes diligently monitoring the COVID-19 situation as it evolves. If you are experiencing symptoms or are concerned about exposure, please contact public health for further recommendations.”
RBC Public Health Director Alice Harvey has stated Rio Blanco County is a couple weeks behind other Colorado mountain communities, but that, “we stand a chance to lower the curve of this virus if we take social distancing seriously.”
Of special concern is the county’s high percentage of older adult residents. RBC’s population breakdown mirrors that of Italy, which has been hard-hit by COVID-19 infections–almost 10,000 people have died as of March 26.
More than 30% of county residents are high-risk for serious complications from a COVID-19 infection.
Now that a positive case has been reported, Harvey anticipates RBC will be receiving more testing kits from the state.
Most infections caused by COVID-19 can be treated at home. Public Health has shared the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s recommendations on social distancing, treatment and where to get help if you need it. More info below:
