COVID-19
As cases of Coronavirus/COVID-19 are reported in Colorado, we are encouraging residents to follow official sources of information including Jefferson County Public Health, the Colorado Division of Public Health and Environment, and the CDC. These organizations are sharing updates regularly as well as actions you can take to stay healthy, what to do if you think you have been affected by Coronavirus or COVID-19, and resources to help you make informed decisions for both you and your family.
At a special meeting Friday, March 20, City Council approved a resolution declaring an emergency for Wheat Ridge. This will enable us to access federal and state funds and any additional resources we might need under the states of emergencies declared by our Governor and the President.
This page was last updated on April 8, 2020.
Governor ‘s Executive Orders and updates from CDPHE and CDHSEM
COVID-19 Quick Links
- Cases in the U.S. (per the CDC)
- Cases in Jefferson County (per JCPH)
- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Fact Sheet
- Prevention Measures - Protect yourself and your community from getting and spreading respiratory illnesses like Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Everyone has a role in preparedness and staying healthy.
- Sign up for Emergency Preparedness Notifications from the City of Wheat Ridge. Check the box next to "Emergency Preparedness" in the Alert Center to get updates about COVID-19 in Wheat Ridge sent through email and text.
New Deadlines
- Colorado Extends Open enrollment for health insurance until April 3, 2020
- Colorado’s state-run marketplace has enacted a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. SEPs allow state residents to purchase individual health insurance plans if they weren’t previously insured for 2020 or lost coverage.
- Tax Filing Deadline Extended to July 15
Message from Jefferson County Emergency Management
Jefferson County Public Health urges our community to practice important everyday actions to prevent the disease and help stop its spread:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing, throw the tissue away and then wash your hands again.
- Avoid touching your face including your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Avoid being around anyone with cold- or flu-like symptoms.
- If you’re sick, stay home and away from public places.
- Get a flu shot if you have not had yours yet.
If you are feeling ill with symptoms associated with COVID-19, like cough, fever or difficulty breathing:
- Manage your symptoms at home the same way you manage other cold symptoms. We want to reduce the risk of transmission, so to the extent possible, people with flu-like symptoms should remain at home. Here is new guidance for taking care of yourself or someone you care about at home.
- If you need medical care, contact your health care provider and schedule a visit. Let them know that you are concerned you might have COVID-19.
- Only contact 911 for emergencies requiring immediate life-saving care and let them know if you are concerned you might have COVID-19.
- Restrict visits to the hospital emergency room or urgent care — only individuals needing immediate care should visit these facilities. If you must visit an ER or urgent care facility, call ahead and let them know that you are concerned you might have COVID-19.
Do NOT call 911 if you are seeking general medical advice or wish to be tested for COVID-19.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath), consider a telehealth visit or nurseline advice before seeking in-person care. Ask your primary care provider if they offer telehealth visits, or call one of Colorado’s nurselines. You can find a list of nurselines on the state health department’s website: www.covid19.colorado.gov/
Additional Coronavirus (COVID-19) details for prevention, planning and preparation:
- For general questions, call CO-HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911, or email COHELP@RMPDC.org for answers in English and Spanish.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Colorado Dept. of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)
- Jefferson County Public Health
- National Centers for Disease Control