Weld County Reports 2nd COVID-19 Death; 48 Positive Cases as of Sunday

Published on March 23, 2020

Weld County — The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment  was notified of its second COVID-19 death: a woman in her 70s. Case investigation continues with individuals who had close contact with the deceased. As with any communicable disease, these case investigations will take the Health Department time to complete. In order to protect the privacy of the individuals, identifying information and medical records will not be released to the public.

“As of Sunday evening, the current totals of COVID-19 positive cases in Weld County is 48,” said Mark E. Wallace, MD MPH, executive director of the Health Department. “We expected an increase as the state lab continues to clear a backlog of test results.”

Health officials continue to stress the importance of social distancing — keeping at least 6 feet apart and no gatherings of 10 or more people. An exception to this order — made by both the governor and the Weld County health officer — is places of employment, public transportation, grocery stores and household supply stores, like Walmart or hardware stores.

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

• 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).
• The elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions should avoid community gatherings to prevent infection.
  
  

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