The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and partner agencies are closely monitoring the global outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). This outbreak was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province in China in late December 2019. The CDC considers this as a serious public health concern, however, the immediate health risk to the general American public is considered low at this time.

At this time Colorado has no confirmed cases of the novel virus.

Coronavirus 2019-nCoV Global Cases

If you have general questions about the 2019 novel coronavirus, you can call CO HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911. You can also email COHELP@RMPDC.org for answers in English and Spanish (Español), Mandarin (普通话), and more.

What we know

• The risk to most people at this time is low.
• People who are at greatest risk for this virus are:
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  • People who recently traveled from China.
  • Close contacts of people who were diagnosed with 2019-nCOV.
• At this time of year, there are many causes of respiratory illness in Colorado and around the globe.
• There are many kinds of coronaviruses currently circulating in Colorado and the U.S. that cause respiratory illness. These coronaviruses are not 2019-nCOV.
• People who have symptoms and a recent travel history to China should contact a health care provider.
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  • Symptoms of coronavirus infection include fever, cough and/or shortness of breath. Symptoms usually appear within two to 14 days after exposure.
  • People who have coronavirus symptoms who also have a recent travel history to China should first call a health care provider, urgent care, or hospital for instructions before going to a clinic or emergency room in person.

What we don’t know

• We don’t know how the illness will unfold in Colorado, but from what we understand right now, most people are unlikely to be exposed to this virus.
• We don’t know how severe 2019-nCoV is compared to other coronaviruses, but like other coronaviruses, it can cause pneumonia.
• We don’t yet know exactly how or how easily 2019-nCOV can spread between humans, but likely it spreads like other coronaviruses -- mostly through coughing and sneezing or close personal contact.

What you can do

As with other respiratory viruses we recommend people protect themselves and others by practicing everyday actions:

• Clean hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub.
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.
• Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.
• Stay home if you are sick.

What Park County Public Health is doing

• Currently Park County residents should be considered low risk for contracting the virus however, Park County Public Health (PCPH) continues to monitor the situation.
• PCPH and community partners are ready to activate a response team and are educating responders.
• If you believe you are experiencing symptoms, please contact your doctor.

What the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is doing

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is investigating all possible Colorado cases of 2019-nCoV.

• CDPHE is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and organizations across the state to ensure a response that is strong, proactive, and collaborative.
• CDPHE has public health staff dedicated to this response. This includes specialists in infection control, case investigation, contact notification, and communications.
• CDPHE has plans in place to ensure hospitals, health care providers, and local health agencies know what steps to take to minimize any potential disease spread.
• For more information, visit the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment’s 2019 Novel Coronavirus web page.

For more information about the outbreak, visit the CDC 2019 Novel Coronavirus web page. Information on this page is updated daily.

If you have general questions about the 2019 novel coronavirus, please call CO HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911.