Boulder County, CO — Boulder County Public Health was notified today that a resident of a Boulder County long-term care facility in their 90s who had tested positive for COVID-19 has died. The individual is the third Boulder County resident with confirmed COVID-19 to die from complications caused by the virus; and the first from a Boulder County long-term care facility.

“Sadly, COVID-19 has taken the life of another member of our Boulder County community. Let’s do all we can to slow the spread of this insidious virus to prevent the loss of more of our beloved family, friends, and neighbors,” said Jeff Zayach, Boulder County Public Health director. “We can do this. It’s not too late. Please take as many precautions as you can. Stay home, keep away from others, cover your nose and mouth when out of the house, wash your hands, clean and disinfect, and you will help save lives.”

The recent death in a long-term care facility illustrates that COVID-19 is making its way into these communities.

“While no visitors have been permitted at long-term care facilities since March 13, we urge anyone coming into these communities for work or to deliver needed items to wear a mask, perform excellent hand hygiene, and stay away if they are ill.” said Gina Bare, Boulder County Public Health COVID response infection control branch manager. “We are working closely with our long-term care partners to make sure they have the supplies they need, including CDC guidance for the extended use of supplies.”

Boulder County Public Health continues to meet weekly with regional public health directors and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to review the most up-to-date research, modeling, and data to ensure local responses are effective and consistent across the region. One area of focus is whether or not to keep schools virtual for the remainder of the year.

“I have stayed in close contact with our SVVSD and BVSD superintendents and provided them with the latest information,” said Zayach. “It’s important to note that Governor Polis stated during his April 1 press conference that ‘We are confident that schools will not be able to resume statewide by April 30^th. We certainly advise that school districts prepare for that.’”

For information about the illness and recovery of Boulder County and Colorado residents related to COVID-19, review the “Updates” section at www.boco.org/covid-19. Information is updated daily by 4 p.m.

Public Health officials ask residents to:

• Strictly follow the Colorado Stay-at-Home order
• Wear a cloth mask whenever outside of home. Leave medical masks for our healthcare workers
• Stay at least 6 feet away from people who are not part of the household, even when wearing a face covering
• Follow recommended hygiene practices

For general information about COVID-19, residents can call CO-Help at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 or email them at COHELP@RMPDC.org. Both call centers have Spanish-speaking staff available.

-BoulderCountyHealth.org-