Pandemic results in cancellations and closures

As news of the COVID-19 pandemic spreads, local schools, event organizers, churches and medical facilities plan and prepare. Late Monday night, March 16, Melissa Memorial Hospital in Holyoke announced that multiple individuals have been tested for the coronavirus after triggering a screening that meets the criteria for a possible positive case in Phillips County. The cases have been sent to the State for testing.

"Public health officials with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment understand that there is fear and confusion around COVID-19 and wants to assure the community that the risk of COVID-19 in Phillips County is currently low," a press release from the Phillips County Office of Emergency Management says about the situation.

According to Julia Biesemeier, Public Relations Director at Haxtun Hospital District, there have been no reported cases in Haxtun. However, the local facility is no longer allowing visitors in the Extended Care Unit. Additionally, she said HHD staff is screening all those who enter the facility at the front door, including patients and visitors.

Biesemeier said patients who exhibit signs or symptoms of the COVID-19 should call the Haxtun Family Medicine Center before arriving on site and take part in a phone screening with a nurse. During after-hours, patients worried they may have contracted the virus should call the hospital. In any emergency situation, patients should always call 911.

School closings

Haxtun Schools announced late last week that students will be dismissed from classes until Monday, March 30, extending spring break a second week. According to a Facebook post late Monday evening, Fleming Schools are also closed this week. The post says Fleming teachers will be working later in the week to come up with a long-term education plan should it be needed.

In her notice to parents last Friday, Superintendent Darcy Garretson said, "Next week will be our regular spring break and no events will take place at the school. The District will use this time to deep clean/sanitize the entire buildings as we usually do. During the week of March 23, the building will remain closed to all students and outside activities. Staff will participate in planning and training for off-campus/alternative delivery in the event of a longer closure."

Other cancellations and changes

Guidelines from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment have forced many to cancel or postpone events as news of new cases spreads across Colorado. Locally, organizers have cancelled or postponed the annual Chuckwagon event, church services, the annual meeting for the Haxtun Community Federal Credit Union and trainings and workshops scheduled with CHS. All Points West Community Bank locations in Colorado are operating with limited lobby services, asking that patrons utilize the drive-through window and online features.

The Haxtun United Methodist Church as well as the Church of the Brethren have suspended all events where community members gather, including worship services and study groups. Several local churches, including the HUMC and the Church of the Brethren, are offering online services.

A notice from Librarian Vickie Freemyer said as of Monday afternoon, the Haxtun Public Library will be closed and the situation will be re-evaluated on a weekly basis.

Last week, many local and state events were held with limited spectators and/or later cancelled. The Colorado High School Activities Association first allowed the 2020 State Basketball tournament to go on, permitting a limited number of fans per student athlete. However, after the first round of action the University of Denver announced that CHSAA could longer host the 3A tournament in their facilities, forcing CHSAA to cancel all remaining sites and the tournament entirely.

CHSAA also made the announcement that all spring sports will be suspended until at least April 18.

On Monday, March 16, the CDPHE announced that it will follow guidance from the CDC's recommendation that all events with 50 or more persons be cancelled or postponed. The CDPHE also advised all visitors and residents of Eagle, Summit, Pitkin and Gunnison counties to limit all social contact as the number of positive cases in those counties increase. As of early this week, the CDPHE said there have been 131 positive COVID-19 cases in the State.

Of the most recent 30 positive tests, 19 are ages 49 and below; 11 are 50 and older. The State's first reported death from COVID-19 came on March 13 in El Paso County.

The CDPHE recommends the following to help try stopping the spread of the Coronavirus:

• Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash or use your inner elbow or sleeve.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Stay home if you're sick, and keep your children home if they are sick.

• Clean surfaces in your home, and personal items such as cell phones, using regular household products.

To keep up to date with local cancellations and closures, visit the Phillips County Colorado Office of Emergency Management Facebook page.