04 Mar Telluride Med Center: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Testing Update
As the nation braces for what could be the first pandemic since the 2009 H1N1 outbreak, local health workers at the Telluride Regional Medical Center are preparing for novel coronavirus COVID-19 by solidifying protocols, compiling preparedness public service announcements, expanding telehealth capabilities and, above all, urging the community to use common sense hygiene practices. Meanwhile, San Miguel County medical centers including the Telluride Regional Medical Center and the Uncompahgre Medical Center now have the equipment needed to perform coronavirus (COVID-19) testing and are working on safety procedures to perform the tests and keep staff safe.
Dr Diana Koelliker
At present, there are no confirmed cases of coronaviruses in San Miguel County or Colorado.
Please note: Testing is not necessary if you simply have a cough or have travelled to a country or region on the CDC’s list of affected geographic areas.
Testing may be recommended by your physician based on CDC and Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment protocols which require one of the following scenarios:
a) Fever or respiratory symptoms and recent close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient.
b) Fever and respiratory symptoms, without alternative explanatory diagnosis and a history of recent travel to the CDC’s list of affected geographic areas.
c) Patient is hospitalized with respiratory illness, e.g., pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and without alternative explanatory diagnosis.
For multiple safety reasons, per health protocols, these tests are not administered at the medical centers, but off-site, possibly at a patient’s home. Tests are then sent to the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment lab.
Please do not call your medical provider requesting to be tested unless you meet one of the three guidelines referenced above.
Visit sanmiguelcountyco.gov/coronavirus for more information and resource links. If you still have questions, we encourage you to contact the Colorado Health Emergency Line for the Public (COHELP) at 1-877-462-2911 or 303-389-1687.
Medical Center Prepares for Coronavirus:
As the nation braces for what could be the first pandemic since the 2009 H1N1 outbreak, local health workers at the Telluride Regional Medical Center are preparing for novel coronavirus COVID-19 by solidifying protocols, compiling preparedness public service announcements, expanding telehealth capabilities and above all: urging the community to use common sense hygiene practices.
“At this point there’s no immediate risk, but to ensure we’re ready, should the situation change, we’re holding regular meetings to determine the best ways to offer care to those suspected of exposure,” said Dr. Diana Koelliker, director of trauma and emergency services.
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