The Gunnison County emergency response teams have been working with local groups to react to the COVID-19 virus that is spreading through the community. We have consolidated public information to two sources, first, the website www.gunnisoncounty.org/covid19 and second through the Gunnison County Health and Human Services Facebook page. The plan is to have continual updates through the day on the Facebook page, and secondly via updates to the website daily on 11:00am and 6:00pm. The Facebook feed for Health and Human Services is also embedded in the www.gunnisoncounty.org/covid19 page for easier access.
If you have any symptoms, please stay home and do not venture into public spaces, Gunnison Valley Health, or your primary care physician. Instead we ask that you call the Call Center, open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. They will question callers to determine next steps. Before going to your doctor or the emergency room please call the Call Center at (970) 641-7660.
Gunnison County Confirmed Cases and Tests
3 positive + 1 who is now in Denver.
Pending tests: 14
Emergency Declaration
Like neighboring Eagle County, Gunnison County Commissioners have signed a Local Disaster Emergency Declaration. This declaration allows Gunnison County to pursue state aid, as well as sets a foundation for further public health action. The declaration will remain in effect for seven days unless continued or renewed by the County Commissioners.
School District Closure
While the younger population is not a high-risk group, schools have been closed in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Gunnison Watershed School District will suspend all classes starting tomorrow, Friday, March 13, 2020. This includes:
Lake School
Gunnison Elementary School
Gunnison Middle School
Gunnison High School
Crested Butte Elementary School
Crested Butte Secondary School
Marble Charter School
At this point, students across the district will return to classes on campus on Monday, March 30, 2020. Learning will continue during this closure. Please watch for communication from your school about online and alternative instruction.
Screening Prioritization
In order to protect the highest risk groups in the community, we prioritize screening for those that need it most. The call center is in place for initial screening in order to move along those at highest risk. Those deemed at the highest risk will receive direction for a screening at the drive-in screening center which will open tomorrow, 3/13/20 and will remain open Monday-Friday from 10-2. Health and Human Services is also working to create a secondary screening location in the north valley in the coming days.
DRIVE-IN SCREENINGS WILL BE SCHEDULED FOR HIGHEST RISK INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE RECEIVED INSTRUCTION FROM THE CALL CENTER!
Highest Risk Individuals:
- Have COVID 19 symptoms
- Have chronic conditions such as: heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, weakened immune system
- Elderly
Volunteer Information
If you would like to volunteer to assist with operations please review the list below with needed services:
- Picking Up/Transporting/Delivering needed supplies both in town and possibly out of town
- Supporting patients quarantined at home by safely delivering groceries, running errands, etc. so those affected do not need to venture into the community
- Interpreting for Spanish speaking residents
- Delivering meals and other needed items to non-infected seniors at home so they do not have to venture out into the community unnecessarily
- Call Center Staff to assist with answering questions especially with a medical background
For those that are interested in helping, please email or call Arden Anderson with the following information: Full name, phone number, email, and availability. Availability for weekends is particularly needed right now. If volunteering for the Call Center, having some medical training would be beneficial but is not required. Volunteers will NOT be physically exposed to potential patients.
Email: arden@gunnison.com
Phone: (970) 901-5739
Updates from the state
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) website
Closures and Restrictions
Western Colorado University
https://www.western.edu/resources-and-updates-related-covid-19-coronavirus
Thursday March 12th, Western Colorado University President Greg Salsbury announced that effective end of day March 12, Western is suspending on-campus classes, and is planning to continue delivering classes remotely from Monday, March 23 through at least Friday, April 3. Classes scheduled for Friday, March 13 are canceled.
Gunnison RE1J School District
In an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community, Gunnison Watershed School District will suspend all classes starting tomorrow, Friday, March 13, 2020.
At this point, students across the district will return to classes on campus on Monday, March 30, 2020.
Gunnison Valley Health System:
Gunnison Valley Health Wellness Events – All March Events Have Been Postponed (new dates to be determined)
Senior Care Center and Assisted Living Center are under restricted access to healthcare professionals only.
Senior Transportation continues but only is for medically necessary visits and assistance with grocery and prescription delivery.
Young@Heart is only running meals on wheels & delivery.