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

The spread of coronavirus continues in Phillips County and while the threat of notching one level higher on the Colorado COVID-19 dial inched closer, the Phillips County Commissioners worked diligently with the local health department to reach an agreement to remain at Level Orange - High Risk with a Local Public Health order in place for the next 30 days. The public health order keeps Phillips County at Level Orange and not higher on the dial at Level Red.

The Public Health Order, which became effective on Nov. 23 will remain in place until end of day, Dec. 23.

"In brief, although we will remain in Level Orange, the Local Public Health Order implements most of the capacity restrictions for Level Red," Phillips County Emergency Manager Bob Heldenbrand said in an email explaining the changes. "One exception is that restaurants will be able to continue indoor dining at 25 percent capacity observing that all must close for on-site consumption and occupancy by 8 p.m. daily."

As of Monday, Nov. 23, Phillips County has a total of 166 cumulative cases and 71 active COVID-19 cases. The County has also recorded two deaths related to the virus, the second just in the last week. Over the last 14 days, there have been 66 new cases and four hospitalizations.

"If in 30 days our COVID-19 positive cases are down within the parameters of Level Orange, the Local Public Health Order will be dropped and we will go back to the capacity restrictions of Level Orange," Heldenbrand explained. "If we are still outside of the parameters for Level Orange at that time, the Local Public Health Order will go away and we will be moved to Level Red and will need to follow all of that level's capacity restrictions."

The Public Health Order defines three main steps to stopping the spread of the virus and encourages all Phillips County residents to follow to keep transmission of the virus low including maintaining six feet of physical space from other individuals, washing your hands and wearing face coverings in public. Residents are also encouraged to stay home when sick, get tested if COVID-19 symptoms arise and get a flu shot.

"A lot of work took place by the Northeast Colorado Health Department and our County Commissioners to get the temporary Local Public Health Order in place which buys us 30 days for all of us to do what we can to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in Phillips County," said Heldenbrand. "Stay home when you can, avoid public gatherings, wear your mask while maintaining social distancing when out in the public and wash your hands frequently."

To read the Public Health Order in full, visit https://bit.ly/PC_PHO.