Boulder County now has seen 16 of its residents confirmed positive for the novel coronavirus, the Boulder County Public Health department reported this morning.

According to department spokeswoman Chana Goussetis, no immediate details were available on approximate age or gender of the newly reported cases of COVID-19. Previously, all cases in the county involved people in an age-range from their teens to their 60s.

Cases confirmed on Wednesday had included a University of Colorado Boulder student who had been partying for St. Patrick’s Day on University Hill over the weekend, as well as an employee of Boulder Community Health.

The most recent totals available statewide, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment at 4:15 p.m. Thursday, showed 277 Coloradans infected across 22 counties, with two fatalities and 38 people hospitalized.

Goussetis said today that public health officials are being hit with countless requests for information on a wide range of issues that present themselves during this period when people are encouraged to practice social distancing or self-isolation, depending on their circumstances, and that the best response starts with the use of “common sense.”

“There isn’t going to be guidance for each and every situation people might find themselves in,” Goussetis said.

Late Thursday, the state health department in a news release reminded residents who felt sick that they should self-isolate for seven days from the onset of any symptoms of COVID-19, which include coughing, shortness of breath or fever, or are simply feeling ill and think they might have the illness. Additionally, anyone who feels healthy but has been in close contact with an infected or ill person should self-quarantine for 14 days.

“Right now not everyone who has been exposed to or becomes ill with COVID-19 will be able to or need to have a test to confirm whether or not they have the illness, but isolation and quarantine, even without test results, is what people must do to slow the spread of this illness in our state,” Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist, said in the release. “Even people who feel mild illness, and aren’t sure, should follow self-isolation orders, and their contacts should follow self-quarantine orders.”

Earlier Thursday, the Board of Boulder County Commissioners issued a lengthy statement urging residents to follow all the steps that have been underscored since the outbreak of the pandemic.

“While it’s clear that this new normal of social distancing will test our outward sense of community, now is not a time to panic,” the statement said. “We need to be responsible, be prepared, and be compassionate with one another, particularly our neighbors who are the most vulnerable: older adults, people who already have health challenges, and individuals and families who have fewer resources to fall back on.”

The message from commissioners highlighted the importance of heeding the “strict and restrictive” protective measures that to many are now familiar, but which some have been slower to embrace.

“Never before has it been more important to stop the spread of disease by keeping distance from others outside of your household as much as you can,” it said. “Stay home if you are sick, minimize trips to the stores, avoid meetings in groups larger than 10 people, and keep a distance of at least six feet from other people whenever possible.

“You’ve also heard the renewed calls to wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds, use hand sanitizer if you’re unable to get to soap and water, and regularly clean frequently touched surfaces in your home, car, or office with a standard household cleaner.”

Over the names of county commissioners Deb Gardner, Elise Jones and Matt Jones, the message to the community struck a tone of resilience.

“These disruptions will continue for a while and will cause stress in our lives. We are so thankful for your sacrifice and willingness to help. Please be kind to one another and remember that others are also struggling. We have faced and overcome adversity before.

“Together we can — and will — get through this.”

Resources available for Boulder County residents to stay abreast of the coronavirus pandemic.