Tri-County Health Department Issues Public Health Order to lower the number of COVID-19 Cases in Adams County as numbers climb sharply

Tri-County Health Department is issuing a public health order (public health order-Spanish) to limit public and private gatherings in Adams County in an attempt to reduce the recent surge in cases and thereby protect both the public’s health and the economy. Contact tracing and case investigation have revealed that many people who have tested positive for COVID-19 have attended public or private gatherings.

As of Oct. 15, 2020, Adams County has an incidence rate of 313/100,000 population. Adams County has been beyond the State’s threshold for level 2 of Safer at Home since Sept. 28. TCHD hopes this order will pull Adams County back within the limits of level 2 by reducing the number of COVID-19 cases. The public health order will enact the following:

1. Spectators are prohibited at Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) sanctioned sporting events.
2. Spectators are prohibited from adult recreational and league sports.
3. Organized recreational and league youth sports are limited to 25 people per field, including spectators. Coaches and referees are excluded from the 25 person capacity limit.
4. Personal indoor gatherings are limited to no more than 5 individuals. Outdoor personal gatherings are limited to no more than 10 individuals. Life rite ceremonies are excluded. Nothing in this order prohibits the gathering of members living in the same household. 
5. All alcohol beverage sales must cease at 10 p.m.

The order will go into effect today, Oct. 16, 2020, at 9 p.m. and remain in effect until Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. unless it is extended.

“This emergency public health order is an attempt to lower the increasing cases of COVID-19 to protect the health of our residents and prevent serious outcomes such as hospitalizations and death.  Reducing our caseload will also help prevent  the state placing more restrictive measures on Adams County which could impact community activities such as businesses, houses of worship, and schools,” said John M. Douglas, Jr., MD, Executive Director of Tri-County Health Department. “I know it gets old and that everyone has COVID fatigue, but if we can hang together and help reduce transmission in our community, I am confident that there will be light at the end of the tunnel as new vaccines become available. This is just not the time to let our guard down.”

To reduce the spread of COVID, TCHD is also working with other stakeholders that are not impacted by the current public health order, but could be impacted if the State moves the county to a more restrictive level.

“We are counting on our residents to do their part in keeping each other healthy and safe. This extra effort should help reduce our cases, which will keep our schools and businesses open,” said Emma Pinter, Adams County Commissioner and Board Chair. “It’s extremely challenging right now for everyone, but we must continue to wear masks, and refrain from gatherings large and small. To remain vigilant in the short term will benefit us all in the long run.”

High risk individuals are strongly advised to continue staying at home to the greatest extent possible, only interacting with household members and only leaving for essential activities.

In addition, everyone should continue to take these disease prevention actions:

• Wear a mask.
• Stay at least six feet away from others.
• Stay home if you are sick except to get medical care.
• Get tested if you develop an illness that could be COVID-19.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• If you do test positive, cooperate with public health workers when they contact you.

Adams County is implementing a mitigation plan to help stop the spread of COVID-19. As part of that plan we are launching a new campaign to encourage residents to remain vigilant: Pledge to Protect – Keeping our Community COVID-Free. More information is available on our COVID-19 website - adamscountycovid19.org.

For more information about Adams County’s level on the state dial and public health orders visit www.tchd.org/coronavirus or https://covid19.colorado.gov/data/covid-19-dial.

View this news release in Spanish.