Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
F r e q u e n t l y A s k e d Q u e s t i o n s – O c t o b e r 2 9 , 2 0 2 0
There is a global outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus, named COVID-19. Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is aggressively managing this outbreak in collaboration with other national, state and local partners. Our number one priority is protecting the health of our community.
This is a constantly evolving situation. Click here to find the most recent information from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) on case counts at the state level. Click here to view a summary of cases in Jefferson County.
For general questions about COVID-19, community members can call CO-HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462- 2911, or email [email protected] for answers in English, Spanish, Mandarin and more.
WHAT’S NEW?
As of October 29, there have been 8,834,393 total cases of COVID-19 in the U.S., and 227,045 total deaths (CDC). There have been 102,014 cases of COVID-19 in Colorado and 2,268 deaths among cases (2,095 deaths due to COVID-19) (CDPHE). There have been 8,953 cases of COVID-19 in Jefferson County (confirmed and probable) and 317 total deaths (JCPH). On October 29, JCPH announced new mitigation strategies to curb the alarming spread of COVID-19 and avoid being automatically moved to Level 3 in the state’s Dial Framework. This includes relinquishing its local variance and implementing a new public health order, PHO 20-009. Read more here and visit www.jeffco.us/safer-at-home for more information. On October 27, CDPHE updated the Safer at Home Dial order to provide greater flexibility to gyms located in counties in Safer at Home level 3. Read more. On October 23, CDPHE limited personal gatherings to 10 people from no more than 2 households for all counties operating under the Safer at Home dial levels. This applies to Jefferson County. Read more. On October 22, CDPHE launched new Exposure Notification technology. Read more. JCPH is hosting a series of flu and vaccination clinics across Jeffco. It’s important to get the flu shot every year, but especially important this year due to the potential compounding effects of COVID-19. Read more. We strongly encourage anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 to get tested. Community members can find testing information, including information about who should get tested, the importance of getting tested and a current list of free test sites, on JCPH’s Testing Page at www.jeffco.us/testing.
HOW WILL THE PANDEMIC AFFECT FLU SEASON & WHAT CAN I DO?
This year has been a challenging time for the Jefferson County community, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made it more important than ever for residents to do everything they can to remain as healthy as possible. As we enter flu season, JCPH encourages people to get their flu vaccine, as it is one more way to protect you and your family and give you some peace of mind. While it’s important to get your flu shot every season, 2020 is an especially important year to get vaccinated to protect from the compounding health problems of flu and COVID- 19. Having the flu and COVID-19 at the same time could make you more susceptible to serious complications, and while no one ever wants to be hospitalized, hospitalization during the novel coronavirus pandemic means facilities may be strained for resources and equipment, as well as have stricter visitation guidelines. www.jeffco.us/coronavirus Facebook: facebook.com/jeffcopublichealth Twitter: @JeffcoPH 1 CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions – October 29, 2020
To help meet the need within our community for increased vaccination, JCPH is hosting vaccination clinics throughout the remainder of the year. Click here to download a schedule of upcoming clinics. Learn more about influenza here.
WHAT IS JCPH DOING?
JCPH launched a new team, known as the Office of Pandemic Response (OPR), as part of the county’s long-term COVID-19 response and recovery strategy. The OPR’s main purpose will be to control the spread of COVID-19 in the community through at least the next two years by providing community impact support, conducting infection prevention and response, and collecting and assessing epidemiological information for everyone in the county. The OPR will function from August 2020 to December 2022, operating under a $4.2M grant from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, via the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE).
WHERE CAN I GET COMMUNITY RESOURCES?
Jefferson County has a wide range of resources to help our community get essential help and services during this time. Please visit our Jeffco Community Resources page to find resources for food, housing, unemployment support, health access and more. This page will be updated regularly.
Community members can also call 2-1-1 for COVID-19 support. 2-1-1 is a confidential and multilingual service connecting people to vital resources across the state.
WHAT DATA DOES JCPH USE TO MAKE DECISIONS?
On a daily basis, JCPH — in partnership with Metro Denver Area public health directors, experts and leaders — reviews disease epidemiology data and models to assess the current and future impacts of COVID-19 on our communities. We review as much information as possible to inform our decision-making on all public health actions, and do not rely on one single model or data set. This includes but is not limited to local daily case counts/trends, daily death counts/trends, hospitalization and recovery data, syndromic surveillance data, outbreak data for facilities, race/ethnicity data, and models provided by the Colorado School of Public Health and CDPHE. We always prioritize real-time local level information (as opposed to world or national data) and models that are based on local data. View our data dashboard for the most recent information about COVID-19 in Jefferson County.
AM I AT RISK?
The risk to individuals is dependent on exposure. Certain people will have an increased risk of getting the infection. For example: People who live in areas where widespread community transmission is occurring. People who had direct close contact with someone who was confirmed to have COVID-19.
Certain people are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, including: Older people (over age 60), especially those over 80. People who have chronic medical conditions like heart, lung, or kidney disease or diabetes. Older people with chronic medical conditions are at the highest risk.
People at higher risk must stay at home and pay extra attention to preventive measures. Reach out to others if you need something. Read more in this fact sheet for people at higher risk.
www.jeffco.us/coronavirus Facebook: facebook.com/jeffcopublichealth Twitter: @JeffcoPH 2 CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions – October 29, 2020
WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT MYSELF?
Follow the Safer at Home Level 2 guidance.
Wear a Mask Effective July 24 at midnight, JCPH issued Public Health Order 20-008, which requires residents and visitors to wear a face covering/mask while in indoor and outdoor public settings.
People who do not have to wear a mask include: People who are 10 years old and younger People who cannot medically tolerate a face covering Children ages 2 and under should NOT wear masks or cloth face coverings
Masks prevent the person wearing the mask from spreading respiratory droplets when talking, sneezing or coughing. If everyone wears a cloth face covering when out in public, such as when going to the grocery store, the risk of exposure to COVID-19 can be reduced for the community. Since people can spread the virus before symptoms start, or even if people never have symptoms, wearing a cloth face covering can protect others around you.
Learn more at: https://www.jeffco.us/4056/Mask-Guidance or https://covid19.colorado.gov/mask-guidance.
Even with a Mask, Continue to Take Important Everyday Actions Everyone can also protect themselves and others by practicing the following actions: If you’re sick, always stay home and away from public places. Avoid close contact (at least 6 ft.) with others. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing, throw the tissue away and then wash your hands. Avoid touching your face including your eyes, nose and mouth. Disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, like door knobs and your phone. Get a flu shot if you have not had yours yet.
At this time, there is no vaccine to protect against COVID-19 and no medications approved to treat it.
HOW CAN I GET TESTED?
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, get tested. Getting tested will provide the diagnosis you need to determine your next steps. Learn more about testing, including who should get tested, the importance of getting tested and a current list of free testing sites, on our testing page at www.jeffco.us/testing.
WHAT KINDS OF TESTS ARE AVAILABLE?
There are several different types of tests being used to test for COVID-19:
Molecular-based testing: This is a molecular amplification test detects genetic material from a specific virus in patient samples. Most molecular tests for COVID-19 are called PCR tests, however, there are a few other molecular tests that are not called PCR. PCR is currently the best way to test for current infection with COVID-19. Antigenic testing: An antigenic test can quickly detect fragments of proteins found on or within the virus that causes COVID-19. The test is similar to a rapid flu test and is performed at the point-of-care by collecting a sample from the nasal cavity using a swab. Results can be obtained in a couple of hours. While antigen tests can be less expensive and offer fast results, they are not as sensitive as PCR tests. This means a PCR test might be needed to confirm a negative antigen test. A positive test, however, can be treated as a positive result. www.jeffco.us/coronavirus Facebook: facebook.com/jeffcopublichealth Twitter: @JeffcoPH 3 CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions – October 29, 2020
Serological testing: A serological test is a blood test that looks for antibodies in your blood. It can detect the body’s immune response to the infection caused by the virus, rather than detecting the virus itself. While these tests can detect previous exposure to COVID-19, they cannot reliably determine if a patient is currently infected and able to spread the virus to others. Because much is still unknown about how long immunity may last following COVID-19 infection, these tests may give a false sense of safety to patients. We do not yet know whether having antibodies to COVID-19 means that you can’t get sick again.
*Important note about serological testing: During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many companies are distributing rapid serological test kits to detect antibodies in COVID-19 patients. CDPHE discourages the use of any serological test that has not been approved by the FDA or at the state level, for any purpose other than research. CDPHE will update this guidance accordingly as more information becomes available. More information about serological testing can be found in CDC’s Interim Guidelines for COVID-19 Antibody Testing.
Find more information about testing types from CDPHE.
WHAT IS EXPOSURE NOTIFICATION (CONTACT TRACING)?
We all need to work together with health departments to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Exposure notification (also called contact tracing) and self-quarantining of people with COVID-19 and close contacts are critical to help slow transmission of COVID-19 in our communities.
If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, an employee (case investigator) from JCPH might call you to check-in on your health, discuss who you’ve been in contact with and ask you to stay at home to self- isolate. Unless you give permission, your name will not be revealed to those you came in contact with, even if they ask.
If you have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19, an employee from JCPH (contact tracer) might call to inform you that you’ve been exposed. They will ask you to stay at home and self- quarantine.
Check out this infographic or visit CDPHE’s webpage to learn more about exposure notification and what it entails.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID- 19: Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Fatigue Muscle or body aches Headache New loss of taste or smell Sore throat Congestion or runny nose Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea
Learn more from CDPHE.
www.jeffco.us/coronavirus Facebook: facebook.com/jeffcopublichealth Twitter: @JeffcoPH 4 CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions – October 29, 2020
HOW SEVERE IS IT?
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed COVID-19 cases.
WHAT CAN BUSINESSES, ORGANIZATIONS AND OTHER PUBLIC HEALTH PARTNERS DO?
Public health has created guidance and resources for partners on a variety of topics. Please visit our Info for Businesses and Organizations webpage for more information. If you are looking for guidance for the Safer-at- Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors level, please visit www.jeffco.us/safer-at-home.
Get more preparedness guidance from CDC and CDPHE.
HOW CAN I TAKE CARE OF MY MENTAL HEALTH?
Over the past few months, we have moved from a health crisis to an ongoing global upending of our economic, health and social structures. We are all affected by this trauma and we can become overwhelmed, anxious or struggle to cope. This is perfectly normal, given the speed at which this situation has changed, the loss of routine and the amount of information available.
Every person handles these feelings differently and there are many things we can do to care for our own mental health and that of our loved ones during these difficult times, such as: Avoid excessive exposure to media coverage. Find time to disconnect. Continue to find ways to connect with others in your life, such as by phone, online or outdoors with adequate social distancing and face coverings Help those in need, especially those who may be homebound and rely on others. Find an outlet, such as physical activity or creative or artistic activities. Name your feelings and share them with someone you trust. Avoid alcohol and drugs as coping mechanisms. Keep regular sleep schedules. Do things that release toxins such as mindfulness, deep breathing, practicing gratitude or listening to music. Enjoy some time in the “vast, great outdoors.”
To find helpful tips and information about coping during COVID-19, follow JCPH’s blog series, Resilience. Este blog también está disponible en Español.
To find additional tips, check out the following resources:
CDC: Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19 CDC: Taking Care of Your Emotional Health Jefferson Center for Mental Health: 303-425-0300. o Colorado Crisis and Support Lines: Not only provide services for individuals in crisis 24/7, but they also have a support line for folks who would like someone to talk with about the stress they may be experiencing or any other mental health concern. Call 844-983-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Hotline: 1-800-985- 5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746. People with deafness or hearing loss can use their preferred relay service to call 1-800-985-5990. National Suicide Prevention Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line (text “HELLO” to 741741) For more resources, visit our Jeffco Community Resources page.
www.jeffco.us/coronavirus Facebook: facebook.com/jeffcopublichealth Twitter: @JeffcoPH 5 CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions – October 29, 2020
WHY MIGHT SOMEONE BLAME OR AVOID INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS (CREATE STIGMA) BECAUSE OF COVID-19?
People in the U.S. may be worried or anxious about friends and relatives who are living in or visiting areas where COVID-19 is spreading. Some people are worried about the disease. Fear and anxiety can lead to social stigma, for example, towards Chinese or other Asian Americans or people who were in quarantine.
Stigma is discrimination against an identifiable group of people, a place or a nation. Stigma is associated with a lack of knowledge about how COVID-19 spreads, a need to blame someone, fears about disease and death and gossip that spreads rumors and myths.
Stigma hurts everyone by creating more fear or anger towards ordinary people instead of the disease that is causing the problem.
HOW CAN PEOPLE HELP STOP STIGMA RELATED TO COVID-19?
People can fight stigma and help, not hurt, others by providing social support. Counter stigma by learning and sharing facts. Communicating the facts that viruses do not target specific racial or ethnic groups and how COVID- 19 actually spreads can help stop stigma.
WHERE CAN I FIND RELIABLE INFORMATION?
CDPHE: https://covid19.colorado.gov/ CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov WHO: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
www.jeffco.us/coronavirus Facebook: facebook.com/jeffcopublichealth Twitter: @JeffcoPH 6