Positive COVID-19 Case Connected to Long-Term Care Facility in Larimer County

Fort Collins, CO --- Larimer County Department of Health and Environment (LCDHE) has identified a connection from its first COVID-19 case to an employee of a long-term care facility.

The healthcare worker that was positive for COVID-19 was an employee at the North Shore Health & Rehab Facility in Loveland. While local public health agencies typically don’t release names of facilities, Columbine Health Systems has volunteered to share that information with the public. Columbine Health Systems operates facilities in both Larimer and Weld counties. The case investigation is ongoing, but to date there are no cases associated with residents of this facility.

Case investigation is in process; and identified close contacts will be contacted in the next few days. As with any communicable disease, this case investigation will take some time to complete. In order to protect the privacy of the individual, identifying information and medical records will not be released to the public.

“We know that our older adults are at risk for more severe COVID-19 infections.” says Tom Gonzales, MPH, Public Health Director. “Our partners at Columbine Health Systems have been diligently following state and CDC guidance, and implementing additional infection control procedures to protect their residents as well as their health care professionals.”

“We continue to collaborate with our state and local partners to blunt the impact of this virus,” said Mark E. Wallace, MD MPH, Executive Director of the Weld County Health Department. “We are coordinating with Larimer County and Columbine Health Systems to follow-up with positive cases and related contacts.”

“We recognize the seriousness of the situation”, says Dr. Rebecca Jackson, DO, CMD, Medical Director, Columbine Health Systems. “The Columbine Health Systems team is working around the clock with our local health departments, the Colorado Department of Health & Environment, and the CDC to ensure the safety of our residents and staff. We appreciate the support of our community.”

COVID-19 is spread like the flu. You can help slow the spread of viruses by:

• increasing distance between people to six feet to help reduce spread,
• considering canceling trips and not attending public gatherings,
• washing hands frequently with soap and water,
• covering coughs and sneezes,
• staying home when sick, and
• avoiding close contact with anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms.

Information about COVID-19 is constantly changing, and the public health response adjusts as more is learned about this virus. While there is plenty of news and media information available, LCDHE is encouraging Larimer County residents to view the latest credible information on COVID-19 at www.larimer.gov/coronavirus or www.CDC.gov/coronavirus. Additionally, residents are encouraged to follow LCDHE’s Facebook and Twitter accounts at @LarimerHealth.