Para obtener información en español, haga clic en este botón en la parte inferior de la página.
Below are the actions underway by the state and county health departments, as well as information residents should be aware of and steps you should take to proactively protect your health. This is a time for all communities, families, and individuals to focus on preparing, not panicking. We must work together to protect those in our community who are most at risk of severe disease, particularly the elderly and people with underlying health conditions.
Thank you for helping to keep yourself, your family, and our community healthy and well!
What is the City of Lafayette currently doing?
- ** VIEW THE CURRENT CITY NEWS ITEM **
- Participating in ongoing and regular communications with local and regional emergency management and health agencies to review necessary data, updates, and strategies to coordinate response and action.
- Lafayette emergency responders have response plans and screening protocols currently in place.
- Providing education about the virus and healthy habits to residents, employees, and users of our public facilities.
- Increasing the frequency and detail of cleaning and sanitizing of our public facilities, and providing additional resources and strategies for facility staff.
What you can do - information from State and County Health Departments
The Boulder County Public Health Department is closely monitoring the developments of COVID-19 and is in close and regular contact with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Public Health has been planning for and practicing response for situations like this for over 10 years. They have plans, partnerships, and resources in place to support the community and are working in close coordination with our regional public health partners, hospitals, school districts, the University of Colorado and the first responder and health care communities.
Situation summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that they have found no significant change in the genetic makeup of the virus and that for people with mild disease, the recovery time is about two weeks, while people with a more severe form of the illness recover within three to six weeks.
Now is the time to think about preparing
We have an opportunity now to make some practical preparations. While the WHO states that we are not witnessing an uncontained global spread of this virus, it is important for each of us, and our communities to prepare. In the event it does become widespread, BCPHD will follow plans developed with the guidance of CDPHE and CDC. Actions may include things like:
- Canceling large events designed to keep us from infecting each other
- Closing schools and providing students opportunities to learn online instead
- Requesting that employees support tele-working, flexible shifts, cross-train employees to cover if employees are out sick, and cancel large meetings or conferences
We as individuals and families can prepare and practice now
Getting ready for widespread disease is largely about preparing for possible shortages. Here are some things you can do:
- Try to get an extra months’ worth of prescription medications, if possible, in case there are supply chain disruptions.
- Slowly start to stock up on enough non-perishable food to last your household through two weeks of staying at home if there is a wave of transmission in the community.
- Think about how you will continue to work if your child’s school is closed.
- Understand that large gatherings you plan to attend may be cancelled.
- Think through how you will take care of sick family members while trying not to get infected.
- Make plans for childcare if you become sick, or when your child is sick.
- Start practicing not touching your face. This can greatly reduce the frequency of potential spread. (You can even try a buddy system, where you and a friend remind each other when someone scratches their eyelid or rubs their nose.)
- Replace handshakes with elbow-bumps.
- Start building healthy habits like pushing elevator buttons with a knuckle instead of a fingertip.
- Avoid sharing e-cigarettes, drinks, etc.
- Increase regular cleaning of commonly touched surfaces (e.g. doorknobs, faucet handles, toilet handles etc.).
And of course, continue to practice everyday wellness steps:
- Clean your hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.
- Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Get an annual flu vaccine if you have not had one.
Employers can start planning and practicing too
- Use the CDC guidance to put continuity strategies in place like:
- Cross-training so that core functions won’t be derailed if key employees are out sick.
- Telework or flexible shift options.
- Alternatives to large meetings or conferences.
After travel precautions
Anyone who has recently traveled to an area with widespread, ongoing community spread, including in the U.S., should take these steps to monitor your health and practice social distancing. Additional information from the CDC can be found here.
- Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing.
- Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school for this 14-day period. Discuss your work situation with your employer before returning to work.
- Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares during the time you are practicing social distancing.
- Avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers and movie theaters) and limit your activities in public.
- Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters)
Keep Up-to-Date
Learn more about the COVID-19 at: