The Haxtun-Fleming Herald - What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope

Haxtun Hospital District is closely monitoring the developing situation regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Colorado and is taking steps to ensure the hospital and community are prepared for the onset of the virus. Following the lead of the Centers for Disease Control and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, HHD staff are working on internal plans to help mitigate the spread of the virus through the facility and are encouraging the community to remain calm but be prepared. HHD will host a community update about COVID-19 on Thursday, March 12 at the Haxtun Berean Bible Church at 5:30 p.m. with Dr. Nate Chappelle, HHD's newest provider.

There are currently no reported cases of COVID-19 within Phillips County and HHD is not making any changes to internal operations at this time.

"We continue to have regular and frequent communications with the CDC, CDPHE and the Colorado Hospital Association to make sure that our hospital is well prepared for this situation. HHD will implement changes if needed, but for now, we are simply asking the community to not visit patients if you are not feeling well," stated Dewane Pace, Chief Executive Officer of Haxtun Hospital District.

At this time, if a community member suspects they might have COVID-19, please call the Haxtun Family Medicine Center at (970) 774-6187 prior to entering the HHD facility. The registration team and clinical providers will assist in getting the patient the care they need.

9Health cancels all health fairs statewide

To keep Coloradans as healthy as possible and help prevent the spread of COVID-19, 9Health has made the decision to cancel all spring health fairs. Haxtun's 9Health Fair scheduled for March 28 will be rescheduled at a later date. For those community members relying on lab work done in the spring, please visit http://www.haxtunhealth.org for information regarding HHD's Direct Access Testing program.

Public health recommendations to protect our communities

HHD strongly encourages the community to follow recommendations made by CDPHE in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention based on the best and most recent information available to protect the public.

For all Coloradans

Everyday actions can make a difference. There are effective ways to reduce the risk to yourself and the people you care about.

• Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash or use your inner elbow or sleeve.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Stay home if you're sick and keep your children home if they are sick.

• Clean surfaces in your home and personal items such as cell phones, using regular household products.

• Be calm and prepared.

• People who are not sick do not need face masks to protect themselves from respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. Masks should be reserved for people who are sick, so they can protect others from getting infected. Masks are not an effective way for well people to keep from getting sick. People should only wear a mask if their health care provider recommends it. 

Things to remember

• It is normal to be scared, distressed or angry when you hear about a disease outbreak, even when you are at a low risk of getting sick. Be careful not to turn fear and anger towards people who have become sick. Ask yourself: Would you think or do the same thing if this was a different infectious disease, like the flu? Does what I'm doing make people safer or does it create more fear or harm? 

• The risk of COVID-19 is not at all connected with race, ethnicity or nationality. Blaming others will not help fight the illness. Seeking and sharing accurate information will.

• Recognize signs of stress in yourself. Identify what you are afraid of. Figure out if what you fear is something that you can address right now. If not, know what activities help you release energy from stress and fear, such as physical activity, listening to music or talking with someone you trust. Do something that puts you in a positive mood.

Those at higher risk:

• Certain people are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, including older adults, especially those over 80; people who have chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease; older adults who have chronic medical conditions are at the highest risk.

• People at higher risk should take action now to be prepared for this virus if there is an outbreak in their community. Visit http://www.cdc.gov for more information.

• Everyone's daily preventive actions are important in reducing spread to people who may experience more severe illness.