September 30, 2021 10:40 PM
Public Health, Medical Centers Update COVID Guidance
(September 30, 2021) – Several weeks ago, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) updated guidance for testing, quarantine and isolation for symptomatic individuals based on vaccination status.
The updates came after findings were released in August by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) showing that people who are fully vaccinated may still get infected with the virus and could transmit it to others.
In response to these updates, San Miguel County Public Health, Telluride Regional Medical Center, Telluride Whole Health and Uncompahgre Medical Center have updated guidance surrounding testing, isolation, and quarantine. The resulting flowchart will help guide people with or without symptoms to help determine next steps.
When it comes to school exposures, students will still be guided through CDPHE’s Return to Learn flowsheet with the intent of maintaining in-person learning.
“With the highly-contagious Delta variant continuing to dominate test samples in San Miguel County and the surrounding areas, it’s important that we have clear protocol to limit the impact on our communities, businesses and schools,” said Dr. Christine Mahoney, chief medical officer of Telluride Regional Medical Center.
The flowchart can be utilized by all individuals to help determine how to address symptoms that have arisen or known exposures.
A reminder, the symptoms of COVID-19 include:
Headache
Fatigue
Fever or chills
Cough
Congestion
Runny Nose
Shortness of Breath
Sore Throat
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Muscle or body aches
Loss of taste or smell
“The collaboration between the medical and public health communities throughout the pandemic has informed these well-defined guidelines,” said Public Health Director Grace Franklin. “We want to make processes clearer surrounding COVID and our communities as we work to continue in-person learning.”