5:00 pm , March 23, 2020 – There is still only one COVID-19 case
identified in Ravalli County. The person is a female in her teens and is
resting in isolation at home. The coronavirus was spread to her through
travel. Close contacts of the person are in quarantine.
Process for notification:
When a person is tested, they should be notified directly by their provider.
If you are not personally notified, the results have not been completed. If
you haven’t heard within a week, call your provider.
Recommendations for Physical Spacing/Social Distancing:
At a minimum everyone should maintain a distance of 6 ft. spacing in all
gatherings, even when you are outdoors. For now, according to the
CDC, a gathering should be limited to less than 10 people.
Obviously, if you are at home, 6 ft. spacing is not practical. Continually
practice standard precautions – don’t share drinks, wash your hands,
don’t touch your face, don’t share lip ointments, etc.
Anyone of any age can catch and spread COVID-19. However, people
60 and older are at a higher risk for serious illness or death than younger
populations. For those over 60 and or with medical problems, limit the
amount of time in public buildings or gatherings as much as possible,
and still use the 6ft physical distancing. Consider – is this visit essential,
can it be done another way?
IC Calderwood, “To quote another medical advisor….In order for all of
the physical/social distancing to work, we have to all do it together. We
have to all do it everywhere and we have to do it right now.
No age group is exempt. A gathering is a gathering whether you are at
the beach, in the woods, or at the store. This is no time to be selfish.
When you return from a get together, you are increasing the risk to your
siblings, parents, and grandparents.”
Jeff says
What about beauty salons and barber shops where the hair cutters/stylist are in direct contact with many people through out the week? I would think these areas should be closed.