Current COVID-19 risk is low for Coloradans, including northeast corner

Public health officials from Northeast Colorado Health Department and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment say the risk to the general public is low for COVID-19.

State and local public health officials are working together, following federal guidance, to assess Colorado travelers returning from China to determine the need for monitoring, quarantine, or other restriction of movement and activities.

At this time, there are no cases in the NCHD health district of people who have been quarantined or are currently quarantined. It’s not unusual for individuals to be monitored for a variety of health conditions, including COVID-19, even when the risk is low and there have been no cases. They are not considered a health threat. There are protocols in place for people being monitored who become symptomatic to receive an appropriate medical evaluation.

While health officials understand that new viruses like this can be worrisome, Colorado has no cases, and the risk of COVID-19 for Coloradans is currently low. Risk is based on exposure. People at higher risk are:

— People who have traveled to China within the last two weeks and have symptoms.

— People who had direct close contact with someone who was confirmed to have the COVID-19.

— Like any other virus, no identity, community, ethnic or racial group in Colorado is more at risk for getting or spreading COVID-19.

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