Preparation Continues Regarding COVID-19

Published on March 12, 2020

Preparation continues regarding COVID-19

This week our news is dominated by constant COVID-19 updates. Events are being postponed or cancelled, universities are deciding to hold classes online, and local stores can’t keep some basic essentials on the shelves. It can be quite scary, but it doesn’t need to be.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT UPDATES

  • You can find updated heath information on our web site www.weldgov.com. Our Department of Public Health and Environment has been monitoring COVID-19 for months and has done a great job compiling information and updating it daily.
  • Our Director of Health, Dr. Mark Wallace, has even put together a quick video explaining the symptoms of COVID-19 and steps you can take to best prevent contracting the virus. There are also helpful fact sheets for the public including health care providers, child-care centers and schools and law enforcement. These sheets were emailed to all of Weld County’s municipalities, chambers, school districts, health organizations and law enforcement agencies last week.
  • Any new updates regarding COVID-19 will also be shared on the county’s social media pages (Facebook and Twitter)

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

  • The board is receiving regular updates from the health department as well as emergency management and public communications. This past week, the board directed all departments to review the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), which is a plan each department has developed detailing how they will continue working in either alternate locations or with reduced staff, should that happen.
  • The county’s Continuity of Government (COG) group, has been activated as well. This group helps departments implement their COOPs as well as address potential questions or issues that any given situation could present.
  • In short, department heads and elected officials are in frequent communication not only about the public’s health concerns but also employee and workforce concerns; making sure county government continues to protect the health of residents and employees while still providing services to the public.

OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

  • Our Director of Emergency Management, Roy Rudisill, is also in frequent communication with other emergency managers, state officials and local departments. As with any potential emergency situation, this department is prepared to assist our municipalities should they request.

PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS

  • The team continues to support the above departments by monitoring media and social media, preparing news releases and engaging in information sharing.

HERE ARE LINKS TO NEWS SOURCES WE ARE USING AND/OR SHARE INFORMATION ON:

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

First, don’t let fear override common sense. All the disinfectant wipes may be out of stock at the stores, but there are still bottles of cleaner sprays. The hand sanitizer may not be available, but there is still plenty of soap. The point is: don’t panic, be practical.

1) Wash your hands frequently

2) Don’t touch your face

3) Practice social distancing – meaning don’t stand so close to other people

4) Stay home if you feel sick

Second, stay informed but make sure your information is from credible sources. And most of all, don’t let news about COVID-19 consume you. The 24-hour news cycle can become overwhelming. The fact is COVID-19 is here in Colorado, and just like the flu or any other virus, we all need to take precautions but not live in fear.

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