Boulder County, CO – A Boulder County resident in their 20s has tested presumptive positive for the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. The individual had traveled to California and was notified upon their return to Colorado that two people at the event they attended in California had subsequently tested positive for the disease.

The individual has symptoms and is isolated but is doing well. All of the individuals who may have come in close contact with them have been identified and will be contacted this evening. This is the first Boulder County resident to test positive for the illness.

The person is considered “presumptive positive” until the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirm the cases.

As with all reports of reportable communicable diseases, when Boulder County Public Health receives notice of a positive test, we conduct a thorough investigation to identify every person the ill person may have come in close contact with (e.g. within 6 feet), interview each of them, and provide guidance, including recommendations for isolation, quarantine, and/or testing, depending on their situation.

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.

To keep our community healthy, and minimize the spread of illness, Public Health officials ask residents to:

• 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.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• 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:

• Manage their symptoms at home the same way they manage other cold symptoms. To reduce the risk of transmission, people with flu-like symptoms should remain at home to the extent possible.
• If they need medical care, they should call their primary care provider and let the office know that they are concerned they might have COVID-19.
• Only contact 911 for emergencies requiring immediate life-saving care; always let them know if there is concern about COVID-19 symptoms or exposure.
• Restrict visits to the hospital emergency room or urgent care - only individuals needing immediate care should visit these facilities. If someone must visit an ER or urgent care facility, they should call ahead and let them know they are concerned they might have COVID-19.

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 to ask questions about COVID-19 or visit boco.org/covid-19 for local information.

-BoulderCountyHealth.org-