JeffCo Health Department Update: 9/29/2021

During the past two weeks, Jefferson County has experienced its greatest increase in COVID-19 cases since December of 2020. There has been widespread transmission throughout all areas of our county. Due to the high number of cases, Jefferson County Health Department may not be able to contact every confirmed case or close contact in a timely manner.

Actions you can take to help: If you have a pending lab or have been notified of a positive test result, please isolate from others for at least 10 days past symptom onset, even if you are feeling better.

If you are notified of a positive test result, please call your close contacts.

A close contact is someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 or more minutes over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated.

Close contacts who are fully vaccinated (completing the Moderna or Pfizer 2-dose series or single dose of Johnson & Johnson), monitor for symptoms of illness and wear a mask indoors in public for 14 days after last day of exposure. Testing is recommended 3-5 days after exposure and if you develop symptoms.

If you are unvaccinated, quarantine* for 10 days and continue to monitor symptoms for 14 days after exposure. Please obtain COVID-19 testing if you develop symptoms.

* Quarantine means you separate yourself from others who have not been exposed to COVID-19 to prevent the spread of the disease. This separation means to stay home, maintain at least 6 feet distance from others and wear a mask if you have contact with others in the home.

If you develop the following symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, contact your primary care provider, local urgent care, or local emergency room for further guidance.

• New loss of taste or smell

• Muscle or body aches

• Fever or chills

• Headache and/or fatigue

• Cough and/or sore throat

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Congestion or runny nose

• Nausea or vomiting

Due to high transmission, Jefferson County Health Department highly recommends all community members take the following precautions:

• Keep your social circle small and consider your risks in the activities you choose

• Practice good hygiene

• Wear a mask in public indoor spaces regardless of your vaccination status

• Consider getting a COVID-19 vaccination if eligible

• Stay home if you are ill

Taking these steps right away protects the health of our community and loved ones. Together, we can help to keep our community healthy and safe. Please contact Jefferson County Health Department at 406-225-4007 and ask to talk with a public health nurse if you have questions or additional guidance is needed.