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Larimer County Department of Health and Environment responds to Coronavirus concerns as first cases found in Colorado

March 06, 2020 | Local News

Update: 3/5/2020

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) a man visiting Colorado in Summit County and another patient have tested positive for COVID-19, a new strain of coronavirus in Colorado. These cases are considered “presumptive cases” as they tested positive at the state level but will have to be confirmed by testing done through the Center for Disease Control.

Special to the Surveyor

Public Health officials with the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment (LCDHE) understand that there is fear and confusion around coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). LCDHE reminds the community that the risk of COVID-19 in Colorado is low, and there are currently no cases in Larimer County.  LCDHE is always working behind the scenes to plan for these types of health threats to our community.

Multiple responses to emerging pathogens in the last few years have prepared public health to respond to situations like this. Work has been done for SARS, the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, MERS, and many others. Local public health agencies are working closely with CDC, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and organizations across the state to ensure our response is proactive, strong, and collaborative.

“The Larimer County Health Department has pandemic response plans ready to go, tools and protocols in place to monitor travelers and other individuals who may be exposed, and the infection control expertise we need to respond to COVID-19,” says Tom Gonzales, Public Health Director for the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment.

You can help slow the spread of illness and viruses by:

  • washing hands frequently with soap and water,
  • covering coughs and sneezes,
  • staying home when sick, and
  • avoiding close contact with anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms.

Information about COVID-19 is constantly changing, and the public health response adjusts as more is learned about this virus. While there is plenty of news and media information available, LCDHE is encouraging Larimer County residents to view the latest credible information on

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