News
COVID-19 testing in Eagle County reserved for ‘most critical cases’
This article was first printed in the Vail Daily on March 14.
With community-level transmission of COVID-19 now confirmed in Eagle County, testing is not necessary for all patients and is being reserved for the most critical cases, according to Vail Health.
Only individuals classified as high-risk (over 60 or with underlying medical conditions) that are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 (including fever, cough or shortness of breath) should be tested.
Officials want to make the public aware that the Vail Hospital Emergency Department is available for life-threatening emergencies only.
National Guard joins CDPHE to open new test sites around Colorado
Colorado Governor Jared Polis visited a COVID-19 testing center at Denver Coliseum on Saturday to speak with state health workers, Colorado State Patrol and a National Guard medical team before the testing site opened.
“Beginning today, this site is supported by the Colorado National Guard to enable our Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to stand up additional mobile testing in other areas of the state,” Polis wrote on the caption of his Facebook live stream.“And remember, a doctor’s note is needed for testing! Congress just passed an emergency bill to scale up testing but for now we are doing the most we can with what we have,” Polis wrote.
Slowing coronavirus spread
People who already have a chronic illness or are at risk of getting one should avoid unnecessary public contact. This includes people with cancer, people over the age of 60, and people with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, abnormally high blood pressure, cancer or anyone who is otherwise immunocompromised.
The focus is to slow the spread of the virus, protect the medical infrastructure, and protect the most vulnerable people in the community. Take personal responsibility to help stop the spread.
If you are sick and suspect it is COVID-19, please:
- Stay home;
- Call a primary care physician first;
- Do not show up at testing facilities without a confirmed appointment;
- Separate yourself from other people in your home (minimum of 3 feet/1 meter);
- Avoid sharing personal household items and clean all “high touch” surfaces daily;
- Wear a facemask if encountering others;
- Cover your coughs and sneezes;
- Wash your hands frequently, and for at least 20 seconds;
- Monitor your symptoms for worsening illness.
Call the Colorado Health Emergency Line (CO Help) at 1-877-462-2911 for more information.
More News
-
New!
More
Stay Steady: Improving Balance to Prevent Falls
We tend to take balance for granted when we’re regularly skiing, biking or hiking. Unfortunately, it’s one of the first abilities to decline with age, and one that can cause a cascade of health problems. But the good news is, intervening early and working on targeted exercises can positively change your health trajectory, helping you remain active and independent.
-
New!
More
Modern Loneliness in Adults: Parenting, Partnership and the Myth of Having It All
Your calendar is packed. Your phone is constantly buzzing. And yet, somewhere between the school drop-offs, work...
-
New!
More
Your Body’s Hidden Powerhouse: A Strong Core Includes a Strong Pelvic Floor
Many of us who live and play in the mountains are obsessed with our fitness and health. We hike, bike and run for heart health. We lift weights for muscle mass and bone health. Some might do Kegel exercises, but other than that, most of us don’t think about (or understand) the importance of our pelvic floor for long-term health and longevity.