A resident in her 90s and a staff member in her 20s at a long-term health care facility in Loveland have tested positive for the new coronavirus, Larimer County health officials announced Tuesday afternoon.

At least six other residents of North Shore Health & Rehab Facility tested negative for COVID-19 — the respiratory illness caused by the new virus, which is far more dangerous to older populations — the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment said. Nine additional tests are pending.

“We’re waiting on the edge of our seat to take further action or breathe a sigh of relief,” said Joel Bitler, director of clinical services for Columbine Health Services, owner of the facility.

Due to high-risk nature of the facility’s residents, the Larimer County health department said it is working with epidemiologists and infection specialists from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to provide on-site support and assistance in investigating any potential spread of the virus and prevent infections.

The facility counts 95 residents and 200 staff members. The worker who tested positive worked in the same wing where the patient was infected, Bitler said. That area of the facility has now become the defacto “COVID wing,” where the older patient is in isolation. The staff member is in isolation at her home in Weld County.

No further information is known about the patient who tested positive.

“Columbine Health Systems has been a strong partner with local public health, state health and the CDC, doing everything they can to reduce the spread of this virus.” said Tom Gonzales, Larimer County’s public health director.

Dr. Rebecca Jackson, medical director of Columbine Health Systems, said the facility is following guidance from the state health department and CDC. “Their knowledge and support has been invaluable to us,” she said.

Common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath. The symptoms typically appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Health officials say people who think they might be infected should contact a primary care doctor.

The new coronavirus is spread most often when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Other people within 6 feet of the infected person are most at risk. Public health authorities have urged residents to avoid close contact with other people.

Those most at risk include people over 60 and those with underlying health conditions.

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