COVID-19 Information

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COVID-19 Information from the City of Golden

Jefferson County Board of Health Votes to Rescind PHO 21-006

During a public special Jefferson County Board of Health meeting held virtually on February 10, the Jefferson County Board of Health voted to rescind Public Health Order 21-006, the public health order requiring the use of masks in all public, indoor settings, including school and childcare settings, effective Feb. 11, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.

You can read the full press release for more information.

Colorado launches new COVID-19 vaccine hotline

REMOTE, (Jan. 25, 2021): Today, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment launched a new call center for the public to ask questions specifically about the COVID-19 vaccine. Now through the end of January, the vaccine call center is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Beginning Feb. 1, hours will extend to 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The new toll-free number is 1-877-CO VAX CO (1-877-268-2926).

Connect for Health Colorado® is operating Colorado’s COVID-19 Call Center

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is partnered with Connect for Health Colorado® to provide Coloradans with a call center that has support services for COVID-19 testing and containment results. The “COVID Results” Call Center opened on Nov. 19, 2020 and has placed more than 228,000 calls.

The COVID-19 Call Center staff provide outbound call support to deliver COVID-19 test results. The call center is also open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and provides information and guidance in English and Spanish, as well as in other languages using an interpretation service.

State launches BinaxNOW rapid home test program for Colorado schools

As part of ongoing efforts to keep in-person learning as safe as possible, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has developed a new at-home COVID-19 testing program for teachers, staff, and selected students at participating schools. The program is intended to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in schools by allowing symptomatic and exposed individuals to get tested quickly and easily.

Learn more in the press release below.

New CommUNITY campaign seeks to make help easier to find

Jefferson County Community Partners has launched the new CommUNITY campaign in an effort to connect people in need during the pandemic with community resources and assistance available under one easy-to-access hub.

Resources include food assistance, layoff support, unemployment assistance, work opportunities, housing, mental wellness support, childcare access, assistance for populations including pregnant women, children, and aging adults, and more.

The CommUNITY campaign also encourages neighbors to safely check in on each other and share information about services they may not know exist. Information is also available to connect locals to volunteer opportunities with one of the many community partners supporting those in need.

For more information and to access resources, visit www.jeffco.us/community or call 2-1-1. Information is available in English and Spanish at at www.jeffco.us/comunidad

An Important COVID-19 Message from the City of Golden

We’ve previously shared recommendations and best practices from public health agencies on protecting yourself from exposure to the COVID-19 virus. We encourage you to continue to pay attention to those recommendations and monitor advice from CDC and local health agencies, as guidance is changing based on the evolving nature of the COVID-19 outbreak.

In addition to the general guidance on protecting oneself from COVID-19 exposure, the City has been actively working with State and local public health officials and implementing recommended measures to help minimize the risk to the Golden community and to our employees. In addition, we have developed contingency plans for our critical operations should the COVID-19 situation further deteriorate.

Here are some of the actions we have taken to date:

(not in any particular order of importance):

Closures

  • City Hall is now open without need of an appointment. Please see our Status of City Services page for a detailed list of facilities and services that are open, will open soon, and what remains closed.
  • We are in contact with the Jefferson County Health Department and Colorado Department of Health and Environment to ensure we take action on closures of facilities when it is recommended. Please watch for updates that we will post on Facebook and here on Guiding Golden.

Public Safety

  • The Police Department is strongly encouraging everyone to utilize the online reporting tool, which can be found at: cityofgolden.seamlessdocs.com/f/GPDOnlineReporting. This online reporting tool is simple to use on your mobile device, tablet, or computer. You can even upload photos or documents directly from your phone. Online reporting is NOT to be used for EMERGENCIES, crimes in progress, or where suspect information is known. In case of EMERGENCY call 911 or for NON-emergencies call JeffCom Communications Center at (303) 980-7300.
  • The Golden Police Department is now on ACCIDENT ALERT until further notice in an effort to limit exposure to COVID-19 and maintain staffing for emergencies. During this time, police will generally not be dispatched to property damage collisions where the vehicles are movable, but there are exceptions. Please only ask for Police assistance if the accident involves the following: injury and/or death; suspected drug or alcohol use; hit and run; cars are blocking the roadway or causing a safety hazard; involves public vehicle or property.
    For those incidents that do NOT apply, an online report may be made through the online accident reporting tool.
  • The Golden Fire and Police Departments have implemented new protocols for responding to suspected cases of COVID-19 or other illnesses resembling COVID-19. Personnel will wear additional personal protective equipment. Our 9-1-1 dispatch center is advising responding crews of potential calls resembling COVID-19. In those cases, only one member of a responding crew will make initial contact with an individual for assessment while other members standby at a distance. This is a practice most public safety departments are implementing to prevent over exposure to first responders.
  • Golden Fire Department has been in touch with all of our nursing home and senior care facilities and has shared Golden Fire Department protocols as well as information regarding best practices. Golden Fire has discussed the importance of facility planning with each of these entities.
  • The Golden Police Department is working closely with the Sheriff’s Office and other police agencies to ensure adequate coverage arrangements are made should the situation deteriorate.

Water

  • There is no immediate risk to Golden’s public water supply from COVID-19. Nevertheless, we have been in touch with public water experts and will be prepared to implement recommendations, if any, made by public health officials and the public water industry. City of Golden staff have prepared to continue to operate our water treatment facility remotely should we encounter staffing challenges.

Budget

  • We recognize there will be an obvious economic impact created by the COVID-19 outbreak. Department Directors are limiting all non-essential City expenditures until further notice. The City has adequate reserve funds for these types of emergencies, but nevertheless, conservative spending is prudent until the budget impact of COVID-19 is fully understood.

Communication

  • The City maintains close contact with county officials to coordinate actions.
  • Initially, we posted COVID-19 information on the City of Golden’s homepage, but have since moved all updates and information here to this page.

Cleaning Guidelines

  • We’ve implemented enhanced cleaning protocols in city facilities. Our employees will be wiping down work stations and high-touch points in public areas several times throughout each day.

What you can expect moving forward:

  • We will continue to monitor public health agency recommendations on public gatherings and other guidance specific to government agencies. If there are changes to City operations or specific actions that impact the Golden community, we will notify the community of these actions.
  • We will provide updates to the Golden community on a regular basis moving forward.

How you can Help:

  • Be diligent about your own hygiene practices and follow CDC and public health recommendations for limiting the spread of COVID-19. Limiting the reach of COVID-19 is a community effort!
  • Pay attention to and have an awareness of changing guidance and recommendations from CDC and public health officials. The spread of COVID-19 is a very fluid, fast-changing situation and recommendation may change often.
  • Check on the well-being of your neighbors, especially the elderly, to ensure they have the resources and supplies they need to sustain a lengthy period of time at home.

Many of our local small businesses may struggle to make ends meet during these uncertain times. To the extent you can support them without compromising safety, please do so! Go to VisitGolden.com for a list of take-out and delivery restaurants in Golden and ways to Shop Local without leaving home.

Jefferson County Board of Health Votes to Rescind PHO 21-006

During a public special Jefferson County Board of Health meeting held virtually on February 10, the Jefferson County Board of Health voted to rescind Public Health Order 21-006, the public health order requiring the use of masks in all public, indoor settings, including school and childcare settings, effective Feb. 11, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.

You can read the full press release for more information.

Colorado launches new COVID-19 vaccine hotline

REMOTE, (Jan. 25, 2021): Today, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment launched a new call center for the public to ask questions specifically about the COVID-19 vaccine. Now through the end of January, the vaccine call center is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Beginning Feb. 1, hours will extend to 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The new toll-free number is 1-877-CO VAX CO (1-877-268-2926).

Connect for Health Colorado® is operating Colorado’s COVID-19 Call Center

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is partnered with Connect for Health Colorado® to provide Coloradans with a call center that has support services for COVID-19 testing and containment results. The “COVID Results” Call Center opened on Nov. 19, 2020 and has placed more than 228,000 calls.

The COVID-19 Call Center staff provide outbound call support to deliver COVID-19 test results. The call center is also open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and provides information and guidance in English and Spanish, as well as in other languages using an interpretation service.

State launches BinaxNOW rapid home test program for Colorado schools

As part of ongoing efforts to keep in-person learning as safe as possible, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has developed a new at-home COVID-19 testing program for teachers, staff, and selected students at participating schools. The program is intended to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in schools by allowing symptomatic and exposed individuals to get tested quickly and easily.

Learn more in the press release below.

New CommUNITY campaign seeks to make help easier to find

Jefferson County Community Partners has launched the new CommUNITY campaign in an effort to connect people in need during the pandemic with community resources and assistance available under one easy-to-access hub.

Resources include food assistance, layoff support, unemployment assistance, work opportunities, housing, mental wellness support, childcare access, assistance for populations including pregnant women, children, and aging adults, and more.

The CommUNITY campaign also encourages neighbors to safely check in on each other and share information about services they may not know exist. Information is also available to connect locals to volunteer opportunities with one of the many community partners supporting those in need.

For more information and to access resources, visit www.jeffco.us/community or call 2-1-1. Information is available in English and Spanish at at www.jeffco.us/comunidad

An Important COVID-19 Message from the City of Golden

We’ve previously shared recommendations and best practices from public health agencies on protecting yourself from exposure to the COVID-19 virus. We encourage you to continue to pay attention to those recommendations and monitor advice from CDC and local health agencies, as guidance is changing based on the evolving nature of the COVID-19 outbreak.

In addition to the general guidance on protecting oneself from COVID-19 exposure, the City has been actively working with State and local public health officials and implementing recommended measures to help minimize the risk to the Golden community and to our employees. In addition, we have developed contingency plans for our critical operations should the COVID-19 situation further deteriorate.

Here are some of the actions we have taken to date:

(not in any particular order of importance):

Closures

  • City Hall is now open without need of an appointment. Please see our Status of City Services page for a detailed list of facilities and services that are open, will open soon, and what remains closed.
  • We are in contact with the Jefferson County Health Department and Colorado Department of Health and Environment to ensure we take action on closures of facilities when it is recommended. Please watch for updates that we will post on Facebook and here on Guiding Golden.

Public Safety

  • The Police Department is strongly encouraging everyone to utilize the online reporting tool, which can be found at: cityofgolden.seamlessdocs.com/f/GPDOnlineReporting. This online reporting tool is simple to use on your mobile device, tablet, or computer. You can even upload photos or documents directly from your phone. Online reporting is NOT to be used for EMERGENCIES, crimes in progress, or where suspect information is known. In case of EMERGENCY call 911 or for NON-emergencies call JeffCom Communications Center at (303) 980-7300.
  • The Golden Police Department is now on ACCIDENT ALERT until further notice in an effort to limit exposure to COVID-19 and maintain staffing for emergencies. During this time, police will generally not be dispatched to property damage collisions where the vehicles are movable, but there are exceptions. Please only ask for Police assistance if the accident involves the following: injury and/or death; suspected drug or alcohol use; hit and run; cars are blocking the roadway or causing a safety hazard; involves public vehicle or property.
    For those incidents that do NOT apply, an online report may be made through the online accident reporting tool.
  • The Golden Fire and Police Departments have implemented new protocols for responding to suspected cases of COVID-19 or other illnesses resembling COVID-19. Personnel will wear additional personal protective equipment. Our 9-1-1 dispatch center is advising responding crews of potential calls resembling COVID-19. In those cases, only one member of a responding crew will make initial contact with an individual for assessment while other members standby at a distance. This is a practice most public safety departments are implementing to prevent over exposure to first responders.
  • Golden Fire Department has been in touch with all of our nursing home and senior care facilities and has shared Golden Fire Department protocols as well as information regarding best practices. Golden Fire has discussed the importance of facility planning with each of these entities.
  • The Golden Police Department is working closely with the Sheriff’s Office and other police agencies to ensure adequate coverage arrangements are made should the situation deteriorate.

Water

  • There is no immediate risk to Golden’s public water supply from COVID-19. Nevertheless, we have been in touch with public water experts and will be prepared to implement recommendations, if any, made by public health officials and the public water industry. City of Golden staff have prepared to continue to operate our water treatment facility remotely should we encounter staffing challenges.

Budget

  • We recognize there will be an obvious economic impact created by the COVID-19 outbreak. Department Directors are limiting all non-essential City expenditures until further notice. The City has adequate reserve funds for these types of emergencies, but nevertheless, conservative spending is prudent until the budget impact of COVID-19 is fully understood.

Communication

  • The City maintains close contact with county officials to coordinate actions.
  • Initially, we posted COVID-19 information on the City of Golden’s homepage, but have since moved all updates and information here to this page.

Cleaning Guidelines

  • We’ve implemented enhanced cleaning protocols in city facilities. Our employees will be wiping down work stations and high-touch points in public areas several times throughout each day.

What you can expect moving forward:

  • We will continue to monitor public health agency recommendations on public gatherings and other guidance specific to government agencies. If there are changes to City operations or specific actions that impact the Golden community, we will notify the community of these actions.
  • We will provide updates to the Golden community on a regular basis moving forward.

How you can Help:

  • Be diligent about your own hygiene practices and follow CDC and public health recommendations for limiting the spread of COVID-19. Limiting the reach of COVID-19 is a community effort!
  • Pay attention to and have an awareness of changing guidance and recommendations from CDC and public health officials. The spread of COVID-19 is a very fluid, fast-changing situation and recommendation may change often.
  • Check on the well-being of your neighbors, especially the elderly, to ensure they have the resources and supplies they need to sustain a lengthy period of time at home.

Many of our local small businesses may struggle to make ends meet during these uncertain times. To the extent you can support them without compromising safety, please do so! Go to VisitGolden.com for a list of take-out and delivery restaurants in Golden and ways to Shop Local without leaving home.

  • Governor Polis Provides Update on COVID-19 Response & Vaccination Progress

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    DENVER- Friday, Feb. 26, Governor Jared Polis provided an update on Colorado’s response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the State’s efforts to vaccinate Coloradans. During his remarks, Governor Polis was joined by Brigadier General Scott Sherman and CDPHE Incident Commander Scott Bookman.

    “Equitable distribution of the vaccine is a top priority for Colorado and to continue that trend, the state is moving to a new phase next week of the vaccine prioritization plan where more doses of this lifesaving vaccine will be available to most vulnerable communities. I’m focused on ensuring that Coloradans who are at the most risk of COVID due to the environment they work in can receive the vaccine, so we can save more lives and end this pandemic,” said Governor Polis.

    Governor Polis announced that 90% of frontline healthcare workers who have stepped up to treat their fellow Coloradans have received both doses of the vaccine. Nearly all residents and staff in long-term care facilities across the state have been vaccinated. The state expects the program to be complete and for these individuals to be fully vaccinated in the next 10 days.

    Governor Polis announced Colorado’s efforts to move into Phase 1B3 of the vaccine prioritization plan, which now includes current agriculture and grocery store workers, Coloradans aged 60 and older, and Coloradans aged 16-59 with two or more comorbidities. Phase 1B3 will begin on March 5th.

    “Please be patient and sign up for an appointment. As we announce this next phase and put more people into the phases, sign up and please be patient, you will have your turn to get the vaccine,” said Brigadier General Scott Sherman.

    “Getting this vaccine is safe, effective and it is a critical next step in ending this pandemic,” added CDPHE Incident Commander Scott Bookman.

    Governor Polis also announced that in late March Coloradans aged 50 and up will be able to get the vaccine, along with those in student-facing roles in higher education and other frontline workers, including restaurant and food service workers, bus drivers, U.S Postal Service workers, and manufacturing workers. The date of vaccinations for this group is set for late March, and dependent on vaccine supply.

    For more information on how to sign up to receive the vaccine, please visit www.cocovidvaccine.org or call 1-877-CO VAX CO (1-877-268-2926).

    Governor Polis also extended an Executive Order related to the continued use of federal funds from Title V of the Coronavirus Aid and Economic Security Act of 2020 (CARES Act).

  • Jefferson County Moves to Level Blue on Dial 2.0

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    Jefferson County, Colo. – Effective Feb. 26 at 6 a.m., Jefferson County will move to Level Blue: Caution on the state’s Dial 2.0. Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) was notified about the move by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).

    The shift to Level Blue comes after the county’s one-week incidence and test positivity rates for COVID-19 have fallen into the designated metrics for this lower level of restrictions, and this trend has been sustained for a full week. In Jeffco, from Feb.17-23, we had a total of 531 cases of COVID-19, or 91.1 per 100,000 residents. Our test positivity rate has hovered at around 3%. We have also seen decreased and stabilized hospitalizations due to COVID-19 during this time.

    Under Level Blue, restrictions will ease further, with higher capacity limits on restaurants, gyms, group sports, indoor and outdoor events, manufacturing and more. To see the full list of changes from Level Yellow to Level Blue, please visit covid19.colorado.gov/covid-19-dial.

    In light of these changes, Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) reminds all in the Jeffco community, from individuals to businesses, to continue to follow guidance on disease prevention steps, like wearing a mask, staying home when possible, keeping a 6-foot distance, washing hands often, avoiding large gatherings, getting tested for COVID if you experience symptoms, and getting the vaccine when eligible.

    “Working hard to stay safe and continuing to follow precautions is how we have come this far. While the move to Level Blue is a positive step, and one we can all feel hopeful about, if we don’t continue to operate cautiously we could quickly lose the ground we have gained,” said Dr. Dawn Comstock, Executive Director of JCPH. “The virus is still out there and we still need to take steps to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our community. We should look at Level Blue not as a ‘free for all,’ but rather a step in the right direction.”

    Once under Level Blue, all Jefferson County businesses can operate under those requirements. Those who are certified under the Five-Star Certification Program will also be operating at Level Blue. Some Five-Star certified businesses have decided to opt-in to the program and take the required extra steps to increase confidence that they are going above and beyond to keep their customers and employees safe. Jefferson County will continue to work with businesses that would like to participate in the Five-Star Certification Program and continually monitor and update information as it changes.

    “JCPH applauds those businesses that have become Five-Star certified by demonstrating their commitment to COVID prevention,” Dr. Comstock said. “These businesses have shown they are dedicated to the safety of their customers. I appreciate their efforts and hope our Jeffco community will join me in thanking them.”

    To learn more about Level Blue and the COVID-19 Dial 2.0, please visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s webpage. More information about Jeffco’s place on the dial is available on JCPH’s Dial webpage.

  • Jefferson County Moves to Level Yellow on State’s New Dial 2.0

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    Jefferson County, Colo. – On Feb. 5, 2021, Gov. Jared Polis and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) announced a new Dial Framework for measuring county’s levels of openness called Dial 2.0. Under the new dial, which is effective on Saturday, Feb. 6 at 9 a.m., Jefferson County will now be under Level Yellow. According to the state, the new dial is in response to the downward trend in cases and increasing vaccination efforts, as well as in an endeavor to continue to suppress the disease while bolstering the economy.

    In the last seven days (from 1/28-2/3), Jefferson County has had 696 cases of COVID-19, or 119.4 cases per 100,000 residents. Our test positivity rate has been 3.6 percent, and we currently have 39 hospitalized residents. All together, these rates put Jeffco in Level Yellow on the new Dial.

    Key changes to the dial include:

    • Using 7-day metrics, rather than 14-day metrics, to measure incidence rates, percent positivity and hospitalizations for counties.
    • Higher caps on the metrics for each level.
    • County hospitalizations, rather than hospital capacity, will be used as a metric.
    • Under Level Yellow, restaurants can now operate with up to 50% capacity up to 50 people, or up to 150 people using the state’s Social Distancing Calculator. (Previously, the limit was up to 100 people using the calculator).
    • Under the state’s Five Star Certification Program, businesses in Colorado will not be permitted to operate in Level Blue until at least 70% of people 70 and older in the state have been vaccinated.

    To learn more about what Level Yellow means for Jeffco, including capacity limits for businesses and organizations, visit CDPHE’s Dial webpage.

    “In Jeffco, as we continue to vaccinate more of our community, we are taking important steps toward beating COVID-19. This move on the dial reflects that, but we want to remind our population that this fight isn’t over yet,” said Dr. Margaret Huffman, Director of Community Health Services at JCPH. “Please continue to do your part in keeping our community safe by wearing your mask, staying home when you can, keeping a six foot distance, washing your hands often and getting the vaccine when you are eligible.”

    Jefferson County is currently evaluating its Five-Star Certification Program based on these changes. In the meantime, certified businesses in Colorado will not be permitted to operate in Level Blue until at least 70% of people 70 and older in the state have been vaccinated with at least one dose. The state expects this to happen by the end of the month.

    To learn more about Jeffco’s place on the dial, you can visit www.jeffco.us/dial. For more information about CDPHE’s Dial 2.0, including guidance for the community and businesses under Level Yellow, please visit covid19.colorado.gov/covid-19-dial.

  • JCPH to Open its Vaccination Clinic to Adults Age 70+

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    Vaccine Quantities Remain Very Limited, but JCPH Hopes to Expand Vaccination to More Jeffco Residents


    Jefferson County, Colo. — In an effort to help more people in Jefferson County access the COVID-19 vaccine, Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is expanding availability of its vaccination site to those aged 70 and older. To date, JCPH has focused its efforts on healthcare workers and first responders, as directed by Gov. Jared Polis’ office and the Colorado Department of Public Health (CDPHE).

    “We believe we’ve come close to saturation among our Jeffco healthcare workers and first responders — that’s good news, because it means more of our frontline, essential workers are going to be protected against COVID-19 moving forward,” said Christine Billings, Manager of the Office of Pandemic Response at JCPH. “Now, we can begin to make sure that other populations in Jeffco who are vulnerable to the virus, such as adults aged 70 and older, have greater access to the vaccine.”

    JCPH will begin offering vaccine in limited quantities to adults 70 and older at our clinic at the Arvada Fire Protection District Training Center, 6651 Indiana Street, beginning on February 3, 2021. This clinic is hosted with support from the Arvada Fire Protection District, Arvada Police Department and volunteers from organizations around the county. The vaccine will also continue to be available to those classified by CDPHE in Phase 1A and 1B.1.

    Vaccines will only be available to those who are in these phases, and only by appointment. While these appointments will be available beginning this week, due to the limited nature of the vaccine, appointments are expected to fill quickly. We will continue to offer additional appointments as more vaccine becomes available. Please sign up for an appointment at the JCPH COVID-19 Clinics webpage.

    “This announcement from JCPH comes after Gov. Polis announced coming changes to vaccine eligibility,” said Dr. Margaret Huffman, Director of Community Health Services at JCPH. “Though we will only be expanding vaccine availability through JCPH’s clinic to those 70 and older at this time and until further discussion, we are encouraged by the news that more people will be able to get the vaccine soon and we hope the efforts made by our department and within our county will help some of our most vulnerable populations with access.”

    In order to get vaccinated, and in addition to falling within one of the eligible phases, individuals will need to meet several qualifications:

    • No other vaccines within 14 days
    • No COVID-19 symptoms/no positive test within 14 days
    • Not be within the 14-day quarantine period for COVID-19 exposure

    In addition, there are several key facts about the COVID-19 vaccine that those wishing to be vaccinated need to know and keep in mind:

    • The COVID-19 vaccine is a two-part vaccine, and it’s essential to get the second dose within a specific time frame (21 days for the Pfizer vaccine and 28 days for the Moderna vaccine). Unless there are extreme extenuating circumstances, you need to receive your second dose from the same place you received your first dose.
    • There are some known side effects to the vaccine, especially the second dose. These include:
      1. mild fever,
      2. chills,
      3. body aches,
      4. pain and redness at the injection site,
      5. nausea,
      6. headache, and
      7. fatigue for 1-2 days after receiving the vaccine.
      8. For in-depth information about the side effects of the vaccines, see the CDC’s report on the Pfizer vaccine and the Moderna vaccine.
    • More information about the COVID-19 vaccine can be found on both JCPH’s website and CDPHE’s website.

    In addition to the expanded vaccination efforts at JCPH, there are many others within Jeffco’s health and medical system who are working hard to vaccinate older adults, including hospitals, primary care providers and pharmacies. If you have been contacted by or have already scheduled a vaccine through one of these channels, please keep your appointment. Please continue to check with these other providers regularly, as vaccine availability will vary by site. Visit CDPHE’s website for a complete listing and sign-up links.

    “We’re glad to be able to expand vaccination efforts, but we know this is a long road,” Huffman said. “For everyone who is waiting for their chance to get vaccinated, please know your turn will come. While you’re waiting, you can take comfort in knowing that our most at-risk and vulnerable populations are getting vaccinated in greater numbers every day, which will just get us, as a community, closer to recovery.”

    To learn more about the efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, including vaccination, testing and more, please visit www.jeffco.us/coronavirus. If you are a member of the general public looking for important public health emergency information, including updates about the COVID-19 vaccine, please sign up for “Jeffco COVID-19 Alerts” at https://www.jeffco.us/list.aspx. These alerts are also available in Spanish as “Alertas Jeffco COVID-19 – Español.”

  • Gov. Polis Announces Update On COVID-19 Vaccine

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    DENVER - Today, Governor Jared Polis provided an update on Colorado’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and announced the State’s move to begin vaccinating Coloradans ages 65 and older, as well as Colorado PreK-12 educators. Governor Polis was joined by Brigadier General Scott Sherman, Director of Joint Staff, Colorado National Guard; and Scott Bookman, COVID-19 Incident Commander at the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment.

    “This process is about saving lives and ending the crisis as quickly as possible. Colorado has made remarkable progress towards vaccinating a majority of Coloradans ages 70 and older who account for 78% of COVID deaths. Given the progress we have made together as a state and community, Colorado will be ready to begin vaccinating anyone aged 65 and up on February 8th, and also start vaccinating educators and child care workers,” said Governor Polis.

    Beginning February 8, providers will be able to vaccinate anyone 65 and over, including continuing to prioritize those that are 70 and over who have not yet received a vaccine. Colorado’s PreK-12 educators will also be eligible to receive the vaccine on February 8. Educators should reach out to their employers to sign up for the vaccine.

    Governor Polis also announced that the State estimates that close to March 5, frontline workers and Coloradans ages 16-64 with two or more high-risk conditions will also be eligible to receive the vaccine. It’s also projected that Coloradans ages 60 and up will also be able to start receiving the vaccine around March 5.

    More information about Colorado’s efforts to vaccinate all Coloradans can be found at covid19.colorado.gov/for-coloradans/vaccine or call 1-877-CO VAX CO (1-877-268-2926).

    The state continues to encourage all Coloradans to do what we know works to prevent the spread of this virus: wear a mask in public, practice physical distancing, wash your hands regularly and avoid large gatherings.

    Governor Polis thanked General Sherman, Incident Commander Bookman and their teams, the state’s entire COVID Response team, and the staff at CDPHE who have gone above and beyond to ensure that Colorado is in the best position to succeed in beating back this virus.

  • Colorado launches new COVID-19 vaccine hotline

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    REMOTE, (Jan. 25, 2021): Today, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment launched a new call center for the public to ask questions specifically about the COVID-19 vaccine. Now through the end of January, the vaccine call center is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Beginning Feb. 1, hours will extend to 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The new toll-free number is 1-877-CO VAX CO (1-877-268-2926).

    Vaccine call center staff are trained to answer COVID-19 vaccine-related questions, provide information about vaccine providers across the state, and give general information about COVID-19. Fifty operators are available to answer calls and can provide information in multiple languages. Staffing will expand as call volume requires.

    The 1-877-CO VAX CO number is the go-to for vaccine-related questions for the general public, but they should continue using the Colorado Health Emergency Line for the Public (COHELP) and 2-1-1 Colorado for general information about COVID-19, such as the number of cases in Colorado, the list of symptoms, or how you can protect yourself.

    COHELP can be reached Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. by dialing 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911.

    2-1-1 Colorado Community Resource Navigators are available to help by phone, Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and can be reached by dialing 2-1-1 or toll-free 866-760-6489, or by visiting 211Colorado.org.

    Right now, Colorado is in phase 1A and 1B above the dotted line of its vaccine distribution plan, which means frontline health care workers, first responders, and people age 70 and older are eligible to receive the vaccine. Until the vaccine is widely available and used, and community immunity is achieved, it is important to continue taking precautions to slow the spread of the virus, like wearing masks, avoiding large gatherings, and practicing physical distancing. More information about Colorado’s vaccine efforts is available at covid19.colorado.gov/vaccine.

    Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.

  • Connect for Health Colorado® is operating Colorado’s COVID-19 Call Center

    Share Connect for Health Colorado® is operating Colorado’s COVID-19 Call Center on Facebook Share Connect for Health Colorado® is operating Colorado’s COVID-19 Call Center on Twitter Share Connect for Health Colorado® is operating Colorado’s COVID-19 Call Center on Linkedin Email Connect for Health Colorado® is operating Colorado’s COVID-19 Call Center link

    REMOTE, Colo. (Jan. 15, 2021): The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is partnered with Connect for Health Colorado® to provide Coloradans with a call center that has support services for COVID-19 testing and containment results. The “COVID Results” Call Center opened on Nov. 19, 2020 and has placed more than 228,000 calls.

    “We are eager to do our part to help manage the COVID public health crisis,” said Connect for Health Colorado’s Chief Executive Officer Kevin Patterson. “We are proud to be a trusted resource for Coloradans when it comes to their health and help the State be successful in combatting the pandemic.”

    The COVID-19 Call Center staff provide outbound call support to deliver COVID-19 test results. The call center is also open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and provides information and guidance in English and Spanish, as well as in other languages using an interpretation service.

    Outbound calls originate from an 888 number and the caller ID appears as “Colorado COVID Results”. Call center staff also identify themselves as representatives from Colorado COVID Results in partnership with the Colorado Department of Health and Environment. Callers then confirm the patient’s name and date of birth before releasing their test results, but our call center staff will never request other personal information such as social security numbers or bank/credit card information. If you are contacted by someone without an 888 number or who asked you for more information than listed above, hang up, and report the incident to CDPHE.

  • State launches BinaxNOW rapid home test program for Colorado schools

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    REMOTE, (Jan. 6, 2020): As part of ongoing efforts to keep in-person learning as safe as possible, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has developed a new at-home COVID-19 testing program for teachers, staff, and selected students at participating schools. The program is intended to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in schools by allowing symptomatic and exposed individuals to get tested quickly and easily. If teachers or students are symptomatic, they should stay home. The program is also designed to facilitate more regular testing, especially for teachers and staff who are frequently in close contact with others as part of their jobs.

    Colorado is one of three states with early access to the home-use BinaxNOW program. CDPHE has contracted with a digital health provider, eMed, to provide BinaxNOW home test kits for use via a virtually guided telehealth session. At-home testing reduces the staffing, personal protective equipment (PPE), and reporting burden on school health officials and is more convenient for educators and students. Results are available within 15 minutes of collecting a nasal swab sample. Individuals age 15 and older may collect their own samples with assistance from the eMed proctor, while children age 4-14 may have samples collected by an adult.

    Teachers, staff, and selected students at participating schools and their parents or guardians will be able to use a web portal to order tests, which will then be shipped directly to their home. Testing will be conducted via a telehealth remote proctor session and the proctor will report the results to local public health and CDPHE. Additionally, CDPHE will make kits available for school distribution.

    CDPHE is working to make home BinaxNOW tests available through the end of this school year to all districts and private schools that opt into the program. Public school district leaders and leaders from charter, private, and parochial schools who are interested in participating should complete a short survey regarding their testing plans. Interested districts and independent schools should submit only one response each. This data is essential to the state’s planning strategies and will enable us to obtain and distribute resources as effectively and efficiently as possible.

    Additionally, the Colorado State Emergency Operations Center continues the distribution of masks for teachers at public, charter, and private schools through the end of the 2020-21 school year. To date, the state has distributed 2,440,750 KN95 masks to schools. Districts, Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), charters, public schools, and facility schools will be given the opportunity to receive a combination of KN95 masks and surgical masks. Information on how districts can opt in will be coming soon from Colorado Department of Education.

  • Jefferson County moved to Level Orange on the COVID-19 Dial

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    Jefferson County, Colo. – Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) has been notified that as of today, January 4, 2021, the county is being moved to Level Orange on the Dial Framework by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). This move was announced by Gov. Jared Polis late last week in response to the statewide 13-day downward trend in cases.

    To learn more about what Level Orange means for Jeffco, including the differences in restrictions by category, visit CDPHE’s Dial webpage.

    In addition, JCPH released the Third Amended PHO 20-009, effective on Jan. 1, 2021, which is more restrictive than the state’s Dial and limits gatherings further in Jefferson County. Under PHO 20-009:

    • Indoor events are limited to 25% capacity or 25 people, calculated using the social distancing calculator, whichever is smaller.
    • Outdoor events are limited to 25% capacity or 75 people, calculated using the social distancing calculator, whichever is smaller.
    • Spectators at youth sporting events are prohibited.

    “With the move to Level Orange, we are cautiously optimistic that our community will continue to see some of the positive trends we’ve seen since the slight bump after the Thanksgiving holiday, like a decreasing positivity rate and a decline in hospitalizations,” said Dr. Margaret Huffman, Director of Community Health Services at JCPH. “That said, we know this holiday season was pivotal. We are closely watching the data now to see if there will be a spike in cases and hospitalizations following our winter holidays to see what our next steps will be.”

    The move to Level Orange will also have an important impact on businesses in the county. Jeffco was notified by CDPHE on Dec. 31, 2020, that our Five-Star Certification Program, which will allow certified businesses to operate one level higher than the county’s status, was approved.

    Given the early elevation to Level Orange, CDPHE has stated certified businesses will not be able to take advantage of the Five-Star program and operate under Level Yellow until Jefferson County’s dashboard numbers have met the Level Orange requirements for 7 days, which include:

    • Incident rate less than 350 per 100,000 people
    • Percent positivity rate below 15%
    • Hospitalizations decreasing or stable for more than 8 days in the preceding 14-day period.

    Although Jefferson County was moved to Level Orange on Monday, the county’s incident rate remains greater than 350 per 100,000 people.

    In the past two weeks, there have been 2,402 total cases of the virus in Jefferson County, or 412.0 per 100,000 residents (12/17-12/30). On Dec. 31, 2020, Jeffco’s hospitals were reporting 62% capacity. Additionally, Jefferson County’s two-week average test positivity rate is 5.6%.

    “Jeffco’s businesses have been working hard since the beginning of the pandemic, and we’re hopeful the Five-Star Certification Program will offer some much-needed relief and opportunity,” said Jim Rada, Director of Environmental Health Services at JCPH. “We know we all are hoping for a return to more normalcy and routine in 2021. The Five-Star program is the latest in many recent steps toward a healthier Jeffco, such as increased testing capacity and the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine.”

    In addition, there are important steps we all can take to lessen the spread of COVID-19:

    • Wear a mask to protect yourself and others, even after you receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Remember that wearing a mask has been proven to greatly reduce the spread of the virus between individuals. Some early research has indicated that if you do contract the virus, masks could help reduce the dose, or how much of the virus is spread, which could lower the severity of the illness.
    • Watch your distance. Keep 6 feet or more apart and avoid gatherings with people who do not live with you.
    • Wash your hands often. Scrub for 20 seconds with soap and warm water. When using hand sanitizer, make sure to choose a product with 60% or higher alcohol content.
    • Get tested and stay home if you’re sick. There are many free testing sites around Jeffco, including a large-scale test site at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds and a mobile testing van that travels to both Conifer and Evergreen. Wait times at the test sites are frequently less than 30 minutes.
    • Be kind to your neighbors. Check in on one another and support your friends and loved ones, especially those who live alone or are homebound.
    • Support local businesses. Keep them open by slowing the spread. You can also show your support by ordering takeout or delivery from your favorite restaurant, keeping memberships when possible or purchasing a gift card to a local retailer this holiday season.

    To learn more about Jeffco’s place on the dial, you can visit www.jeffco.us/dial. Learn more about CDPHE’s Dial Framework, including guidance for the community and businesses under Level Orange. You can also refer to CDPHE’s Dial Public Health Order (PHO 20-36) for more details on Level Orange requirements.

  • Enjoy the holidays safely by celebrating at home or virtually

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    REMOTE, (Dec. 10, 2020): As we approach the winter holidays, it’s important to think about the best ways to keep our loved ones and communities safe during our celebrations. This year is an opportunity to reimagine what togetherness can look like. To help slow the alarming spread of COVID-19, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) advises Coloradans to only interact in-person with people from their household this holiday season.

    The top three most important things to remember during the holidays are:

    • Only interact in-person with people from your household (defined as those who normally live and sleep under the same roof).
    • Refrain from traveling. Celebrate virtually with the people who don’t live with you.
    • Avoid crowded stores. Shop for gifts online and have them delivered or pick them up curbside. Find local Colorado businesses to support via the #ShopLocalColorado campaign. Wear a mask and keep your distance whenever you do leave your home.

    Just because we keep physical distance doesn’t mean we have to be distant in other ways. There are many creative things you can do to make those closest to you feel loved while making sure they stay healthy for many more seasons to come. For more ideas about enjoying a safe holiday season, see all our holiday tips at covid19.colorado.gov/winter-holiday-tips.

    Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.

    Oficiales de salud del estado publican consejos para los días festivos de invierno

    Disfrute de los días festivos de forma segura, celebrando en su casa o virtualmente

    REMOTO, (10 de diciembre, 2020): A medida que nos acercamos a los días festivos de invierno, es importante pensar en las mejores maneras para mantener a nuestros seres queridos y a las comunidades seguros durante nuestros festejos. Este año es una oportunidad para reimaginar lo que la solidaridad es. Para poder disminuir la propagación alarmante del COVID-19, el Departamento de Salud Pública y Medio Ambiente de Colorado (CDPHE, por sus siglas en inglés) le aconseja a los habitantes de Colorado a que solo interactúen en persona con individuos de su misma vivienda durante estos días festivos.

    Las tres cosas más importantes para recordar durante estos días festivos son:

    • Solamente interactúe en persona con aquellos que viven en su misma vivienda (definido como aquellas personas que normalmente viven y duermen bajo el mismo techo).
    • Absténgase tengase de viajar. Celebre virtualmente con las personas con las que no vive.
    • Evite los negocios concurridos. Realice la compra de regalos en línea y envíelos usando el servicio a domicilio o la entrega a vehículo en la banqueta. Apoye a los negocios locales de Colorado a través de la campaña #ShopLocalColorado. Use un tapabocas y mantenga distanciamiento físico cuando salga de su vivienda.

    Solo porque mantenemos un distanciamiento físico, no significa que tenemos que permanecer distantes de otras maneras. Hay muchas cosas creativas que puede hacer para que sus seres queridos se sientan queridos y mantenerlos seguros por muchas temporadas por venir. Para más ideas de cómo disfrutar de días festivos seguros, vea todos nuestros consejos para los días festivos en covid19.colorado.gov/winter-holiday-tips.

    Continúe manteniéndose informado visitando covid19.colorado.gov

Page last updated: 25 May 2022, 09:23 AM