Third Presumptive Positive Case of COVID-19 Identified in Weld County

Published on March 14, 2020

COVID-19

Weld County — Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment has been notified of a third presumptive positive case. The Weld County individual is connected to the Larimer County COVID-19 presumptive positive case. We expect to see an increase in positive test results over the next few days. 

Both individuals are employed by health care systems in Larimer and Weld counties. Case investigation is in process and identified close contacts will be contacted in the next few days. As with any communicable disease, this case investigation will take public health time to complete. In order to protect the privacy of the individual, identifying information and medical records will not be released to the public. 

Presumptive positive means that Colorado’s testing lab returned a positive result for COVID-19. All positive tests must be sent to CDC for official confirmation. That confirmation is pending, but it does not slow down the public health response. 

“We are encouraging people to start thinking about social distancing,” said Mark E. Wallace, MD MPH, Executive Director of the Health Department. “Follow common sense precautions like staying home if you are sick. Wash your hands frequently, and pregnant women, individuals with underlying health conditions, and older people, should stay away from people who are sick.” The current treatment for most people who get COVID-19 is rest, recovery, and self-isolation at home. About 80% of people who become ill will recover on their own. The seriously ill may require hospitalization. 

Other preventive actions for preventing influenza, cold viruses, and COVID-19:

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects with regular household cleaning products.  
  • Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom and before eating; a hand sanitizer can help if hand washing is not available.
  • Cover your cough with your elbow or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Stay home if you are sick. If you work or go into the community sick, many may get sick.  
  • Limit close contact with people who are sick (keep a distance of at least 6 feet).

For general questions about COVID-19 in Colorado, call the state CO HELP line at (303) 389-1687 or 1 (877) 462-2911 or email COHELP@RMPDC.org. 

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