Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) has received a presumptive positive case of COVID-19 from the state public health laboratory. A presumptive positive test will be confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), but this does not delay public health response.

The Mesa County resident that tested positive is a male in his 30s.

The individual who tested presumptive positive remains isolated at home and was advised to do so upon sample collection for COVID-19 testing. Mesa County Public Health is in contact with the individual that tested presumptively positive to identify and follow-up with any close contacts.

We know our community is worried about this virus. “Mesa County Public Health is prepared to help our community stop the spread of illness, but we can’t do it alone,” MCPH Executive Director, Jeff Kuhr says. “This has to be a community response, having each resident of Mesa County informed, taking preventive measures, and adhering to guidance from health care and public health officials will be essential in our response to this illness.”

While this is is the first presumptive positive test in Mesa County, MCPH fully expects more cases. We are taking the situation seriously, and ask you do to the same by staying informed and following public health and provider recommendations.

Public Health Recommendations

If you are experiencing symptoms like a cough, fever, or difficulty breathing call your health care provider first . Do not go to the emergency room. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve community members with the most critical needs. If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

Do not go to a health care facility in person unless directed by phone or if it’s a medical emergency. If you are in Mesa County and believe you were exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19 call your healthcare provider.

Practice good personal hygiene. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water; in the absence of soap and water, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol; cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Stay home if you’re sick; keep your children home if they are sick. Stay away from people that are ill, especially if you are 60 and older, or have underlying medical conditions.

Mesa County Public Health has created a webpage where you can go for the latest information.