Denver Public Health & Environment continues to monitor and respond to potential cases

As of today, the City and County of Denver has identified two residents who have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, via the testing process overseen by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). These individuals are considered “presumptive positive” until the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirm the cases. Both individuals are symptomatic and isolated, but do not require hospitalization at this time.

Additionally, several individuals have been quarantined or will be quarantined soon. These individuals are not symptomatic. With new guidance from the CDC, providers are able to test patients independently of public health departments, so statistics regarding the number of presumptive positive cases are expected to change.

Residents of Denver need to remember:

• 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.

If you are feeling ill with symptoms similar to those associated with COVID-19:

• Manage your symptoms at home the same way you manage other cold symptoms. We want to reduce the risk of transmission, so to the extent possible, people with flu-like symptoms should remain at home.
• If you need medical care, contact your primary care provider and schedule a visit. Let them know that you are concerned you might have COVID-19.
• Only contact 911 for emergencies requiring immediate life-saving care and let them know if you are concerned you might have COVID-19.
• Restrict visits to the hospital emergency room or urgent care - only individuals needing immediate care should visit these facilities. If you must visit an ER or urgent care facility, call ahead and let them know that you are concerned you might have COVID-19.

CDC's testing guidance includes three types of people:

1. Those who have symptoms such as fever OR lower respiratory symptoms (cough or shortness of breath) and have had "close contact" with a confirmed coronavirus patient within 14 days of their first symptoms.
2. Those who have fever AND/OR lower respiratory symptoms, require hospitalization, and have traveled to areas impacted by the epidemic in the last 14 days.
3. Patients with fever and severe, acute lower respiratory symptoms who require hospitalization, and for whom no other diagnosis has been found — such as the flu. No travel or contact exposure is needed.

The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment is coordinating with other local public health agencies, the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE), and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) about the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Our goal is to ensure accurate information is provided to the public.

DDPHE is working with city leadership to ensure that public health and safety measures are ready to be implemented in the event of a local outbreak with community transmission. Those measures could include limiting large gatherings and encouraging employers to allow for employees to work from home whenever possible. 

For general questions, the public can call CO HELP at 1-877-462-2911 to be connected with a local public health representative or visit denvergov.org/dphe.