The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
Colorado risk still low, but planning for potential spread
By Kendra Walker
With cases of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus outbreak continuing to trickle and spread into the United States, local entities have begun making plans for the flu-like virus that has killed more than 3,000 and infected more than 90,000 globally before potentially reaching the Gunnison Valley.
Last week, the Gunnison Watershed School District communicated with families, students and staff about its initial preparations. “The school district is closely monitoring developments regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019, or COVID-19. While the risk of getting COVID-19 in the United States remains low, the spread of the illness is approaching pandemic (world-wide) levels, so we are engaging in pre-pandemic planning as a school district,” wrote district superintendent Leslie Nichols in the email. “We are deeply committed to the health and safety of our students, families and staff. Your questions, comments and concerns are welcome.”
Nichols shared the steps the district has taken so far, which include promoting and teaching healthy habits such as consistent hand washing, coughing into elbows and encouraging students and staff to stay at home when sick. School staff is adhering to sanitizing and disinfecting protocols, and reviewing daily attendance and illness levels.
The district is also collaborating with Gunnison County departments of Public Health and Emergency Management, monitoring guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Colorado Department of Education (CDE).
Crested Butte Mountain Resort was unable to share any information on whether the mountain has experienced any business impacts related to the coronavirus, but also continues to closely monitor the situation.
“At Vail Resorts, the health and safety of our guests and employees is our top priority,” said CBMR senior communications specialist Will Shoemaker. “We’re closely monitoring the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization’s statements regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and following the guidelines from these agencies and local health departments. We have no reported cases of coronavirus at any of our resorts. We are, however, following health department guidelines and preparing contingency plans so we can make our resorts as safe as possible.”
Ian Billick, executive director of Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL), says that due to how quickly the situation is changing, and with several months before more and more RMBL scientists and students start arriving, his team’s current focus has been to establish clear lines of communication and assist with travel planning, including modifying RMBL’s cancellation policy. “Anyone who has to cancel or shorten their RMBL stay for coronavirus reasons will not be charged a cancellation fee,” said Billick.
RMBL is also in the process of creating a webpage that will provide updated information as it develops and becomes available. The website is anticipated to go live sometime this month.
“We do host visitors from around the world and have heard that some universities in Asia are cancelling non-essential international travel,” said Billick. “Right now we do not anticipate those responses will have a significant impact on the number of scientists and students. However, in the next several months we expect to learn more about the virus and its impacts on RMBL.”
“We are starting to see some guests get nervous about travel in general but fortunately none of our destinations are located in high risk zones,” said Eleven managing director Jake Jones. “Coronavirus is a big deal right now and we are developing plans for every foreseeable circumstance to help prevent the spread of the illness. The situation is changing rapidly and we have a team of people working on the subject daily. At times like this, organizations with some exposure to global issues need to be very nimble and we are monitoring constantly, not just in anticipation to possible impacts in Crested Butte but also around the world.”
The RTA board last week discussed the ramifications with people worried with traveling to the region, but so far has not see any definitive cancellations.
The Gunnison County Department of Health and Human Services also issued the following statement on Monday, March 2:
“There is so much media attention surrounding the novel coronavirus called COVID-19, it’s difficult to know who to trust. Though there are no confirmed cases in Gunnison County or Colorado, Gunnison County staff is actively engaged in planning while monitoring the outbreak. The best way to protect yourself and others is to frequently wash your hands with soap and water, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, refrain from touching your face with your hands and stay home if you are sick. We understand that new viruses are worrisome and the media attention can easily be overwhelming.
“For your own mental wellbeing, think about limiting your exposure and selecting a trusted source to visit when you determine it is appropriate (i.e., once a day). Please remember children are also affected by the volume of news coverage and reports. It’s beneficial to help children mange the information so it is not overwhelming or creating stress.”
“The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment website at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/2019-novel-coronavirus and CO-Help at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 can provide the most up to date information. Gunnison County Health and Human Services can also help answer some of your questions at (970) 641-3244,” the statement concluded.
