Five additional residents of Archuleta County have tested positive for COVID-19, according to San Juan Basin Public Health
The five new cases come in addition to one case previously reported. All six Archuleta County residents are self-isolating, said Claire Ninde, spokeswoman for San Juan Basin Public Health in a news release issued Saturday.
SJBPH is working to get in touch with anyone who had close direct contact with residents who tested positive to provide instructions about self-isolation, self-quarantining and monitoring of symptoms, Ninde said.
The health department also reported all 40 individuals tested by SJBPH at a community test site at Pagosa Springs Medical Center on March 30 came back negative.
SJBPH Executive Director Liane Jollon cautioned that COVID-19 virus can be missed with current testing.
“With both the shortages in widespread testing and the possibility of tests missing the virus, please continue to self-isolate if you have symptoms. This is particularly important in a small community with less access to health care,” she said.
Anyone with symptoms such as fever, body aches, dry cough, and shortness of breath, should assume that they have the virus and follow Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment guidance on isolation.
CDPHE is asking anyone who suspects they have been exposed to COVID-19 to self-isolate at home for 14 days, the period in which someone who is exposed to the novel coronavirus can begin to show symptoms. CDPHE asks anyone who suspects they have been exposed to COVID-19 to call their medical provider and getting instructions first before going to a health care office.
SJBPH acknowledged efforts by Archuleta County residents in abiding by Gov. Jared Polis’ stay at home order and practicing aggressive social distancing when necessary.
SJBPH is asking residents of Archuleta and La Plata counties to continue to:
Stay at home.Wash their hands thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds, and frequently.Stay 6 feet away from others when out in public.Cover their noses and mouths when out in public.Visit SJBPH’s website for the latest information about how to take precautions against the spread of COVID-19.
parmijo@durangoherald.com
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