Boulder County, Colo. – Four additional Boulder County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total to 11 people in Boulder County. While the disease investigations are still being conducted, two of the recently tested people had not left the county, confirming that there is community spread of COVID-19 in Boulder County. To date, the majority of exposures have been from the mountain areas; 5 of the 11 current cases reported exposures in Colorado mountain areas.

“We are at the most critical phase,” said Jeff Zayach, Boulder County Public Health director. “Never before has it been more important to heed the call to keep distance from others outside of your household as much as you can and avoid meeting in groups larger than 10 people.”

To date, the age range for people testing positive with COVID-19 in Boulder County has been teenage to 60s. Each person is stable and isolating at home.

“We encourage everyone to review Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) guidance to keep themselves safe if you have flu-like symptoms, feel you may have been exposed to the virus, are waiting on test results, or if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19,” said Carol Helwig, Boulder County Public Health communicable disease epidemiologist.

COVID-19 is primarily spread through respiratory droplets spread when a person with the illness coughs or sneezes. People who have prolonged contact within six feet of a person with the disease are most at risk of transmission.

Public Health officials ask residents to practice social distancing, including:

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Stay home or in a comparable setting as much as possible: work from home if possible; if you can’t work from home, maintain at least 6 feet of distance between you and your coworkers or customers.
• Only go to public spaces for necessities such as groceries and the pharmacy.
• Continue healthy, non-group activities like walking, hiking, jogging, cycling and other activities that maintain distance from other people.
• Don’t gather in group settings; avoid gatherings larger than 10 people.
• Maintain distance (approximately 6 feet) from others.
• If you need to travel, use a private vehicle instead of taking buses, rideshares, flights, or other transportation that puts you in contact with other people.
• Continue to operate critical business functions, such as delivery of goods and operation of businesses, with social distancing and additional safety measures in place.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Anyone feeling ill with symptoms similar to those associated with COVID-19 (e.g. fever, cough, shortness of breath) should:

• Stay home, except to get medical care.
• If you have a medical appointment, call ahead and tell them what your symptoms are. Otherwise:
  • Restrict activities outside your home.
  • Do not go to work, school, or public areas.
  • Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.

Boulder County Public Health is coordinating with other local public health agencies, the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE), and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) in response to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Residents can call CO-Help at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 or email them at COHELP@RMPDC.org for more information and ask questions about COVID-19 or visit www.boco.org/covid-19.