PUEBLO, Colorado — At least 8 presumed cases of Novel Coronavirus, COVID-19, were reported in the State of Colorado Friday by health officials. None of those cases involve patients in Pueblo County.
Doctor Chris Urbina, Medical Director for the Pueblo Department of Public Health, told the public during a community meeting that the department has been tracking the spread of the virus since it first broke out. They've been preparing plans if the virus should appear in Pueblo.
"We've been preparing for this for months because we've been watching this across the world," Dr. Urbina said.
Specifically, all local health departments in Colorado have been working on plans to mitigate the spread of the virus by developing plans schools and other organizations. He said proper hand-washing and avoiding touching your face can protect you from infection.
"This is a respiratory virus, spread like any other respiratory virus like influenza," said Dr. Urbina.
"Washing your hands periodically, not touching your eyes, nose or mouth, being very careful if you do have respiratory symptoms to cough into your sleeve, or cough into a disposable tissue that you can throw away."
While the risk of getting the virus is low, he says it's important to stay home if you are sick. What's more, you should question bad information that might find hared on social media and go the experts instead.
"Seek out correct information. If you hear a rumor or you hear a myth out there, give us a call and we're happy to answer your question."
