July 2, 2020 - COVID-19 News Archive (for news week end of July 2, 2020)

Here is the COVID-19 news for the week of July 2, 2020.  

Current News

 

  • Mesa County Cases:  Mesa County Public Health Department updates daily the current counts for cases in our area. As of July 6, 2020, there are 118 confirmed cases, which equates to 2.25% positive of total tested (threshold is staying below 15% positive of total tested); 36 of which have unknown sources, which means there is sustained community spread in Mesa County. One case was recently reassigned because it was a resident of a different county.  Fortunately, 89 cases have fully recovered. There have been 11 hospitalizations and 10 have been discharged (threshold is staying under 50). For the full update, the Community Impact dashboard, and the COVID-19 symptom dashboard, please visit this page.​​​​​​
  • Protect Our Neighbors Phase of COVID-19 Response  - Last week,  Governor Polis announced the next phase of the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and this will be entitled “Protect our Neighbors”. Staff had the opportunity to review and provide feedback on the proposed guidelines of this next phase. While these guidelines may change, this phase will allow for most activities to occur (assuming six feet of distance between non-household member) and events (both indoor and outdoor) will be able to increase capacity quite a bit. This phase also encourages the public maintain about 65% social distancing (reduced amount of social interactions). Mesa County will have to apply to receive a variance to enter this phase, and disease transmission level will have to remain low. It is expected that the new framework will go into effect at the end of June. 
  • Fruita Civic Center Open -  Beginning on June 8, 2020, the Fruita Civic Center reopened to the public for walk-ins.  The Civic Center is open Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  While the building has reopened, it is still recommended that the public conduct City business online, and limit trips to only essential visits.  In addition, we have made a number of changes to meet the guidelines set forth by Mesa County Public Health.  Here are a few additional details on the Civic Center Reopening:
    • Entry/Exits -  The City has implemented one-way entry/exit ways at the Civic Center. The City is asking guests to enter the building through the South doors and exit via one of the designated exists.
    • Social Distancing - At each window, staff has installed tape where guests can stand that are six feet apart from one another. Plexiglass has also been installed at both counters to aid in these efforts.
    • Masks – The City appreciates guests wearing masks while using the Civic Center. Staff will also continue to wear masks.
    • Symptom Screening and Contact Information - The City of Fruita will continue to screen employees for any symptoms of COVID-19 on a daily basis. Additionally, guests who visit the Civic Center will need to provide contact information (name and phone number) in the event that contact tracing needs to be conducted. 
    • Fruita Branch of Mesa County Motor Vehicle - The Motor Vehicle Office in the Civic Center reopened on Tuesday, June 16, 2020.  This office is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
    • FWorks - FWorks will resume daily memberships  in the future while complying with all Public Health guidelines.  
  • Mesa County Public Health Priorities
    • ​Safer at Home - We are no longer ordered to stay home, but MCPH is strongly advising people to stay home.  Some businesses are operating with restrictions.  The virus is still present in Colorado and can re-surge at any time.  
    • Stay the Course - Continue to follow Public Health guidance so we can keep making incremental steps toward a lifestyle that is familiar and rewarding to all of us.  If you are not personally concerned, please be courteous to others who are.  Social distancing and face coverings should be the norm, not the exception.  Everyone needs to do their part for themselves, their loved ones, and our community.  
  • Community Goals 
    • ​Stay below the threshold of less than 30 COVID-19 hospitalization (from any county) 
    • Keep the proportion of positives tests to less than 10% of overall tests conducted.  ​​​​​​​​
  • Exploring Colorado with Kindness - The Colorado Tourism Office has launched a new marketing campaign 'Care for Coloradans' focused on education and encouraging travelers to protect destinations and people. We have begun incorporating these into our messaging efforts and ask that people traveling to Mesa County and Fruita at this time follow these five simple steps to protect our community: 
    • Space - Keep  ski's length (6 feet) between you and other people to prevent spreading germs 
    • Mask/Cover Up - Keep a mask with you at all ties so you can wear it if you're out in public or around others. 
    • Clean and Practice Clean Habits - Avoid touching things others may have come into contact with like counters, railings, or gas pumps.  Regularly use hand sanitizer and wash your hands for 20 seconds (about one chorus of "Rocky Mountain High").  
    • Stay and Remain at Home When You're Sick 
    • Know and Look Before You leave - Weather, health concerns and other natural events can all affect how places in Colorado are able to welcome visits.  Check websites or social media before you leave so you're aware of the latest travel advise and are following local guidelines.  
  • Current Key Messaging
    • Continue to stay at home, and limit travel for essential activities as much as possible 
    • Populations that have been identified as vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus, such as those with a preexisting medical condition or Seniors, should continue to stay at home as much as possible.  
    • Wear a non-medical cloth mask that covers your nose and mouth without harming your breathing when in public. 
    • Recreate close to home.  
    • Social distancing is very important to limit spread and to avoid overloading healthcare systems for those in need of critical healthcare. 
    • Do your part to keep public lands open. Spread out, take out trash, obey rules of public lands, don't congregate, and don't test your skills - be safe. 
    • Safely check on neighbors. ​​
  • Mesa County Public Health COVID-19 Hotline ​
    • If you have any questions or concerns related to the Governor's Safer-at-Home Order or other public health related matters, please call Mesa County Public Health at 970-683-2300.