Public health investigating COVID-19 outbreak at long-term care facility in Canon City
CANON CITY, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Fremont County Department of Public Health and Environment says it's investigating a COVID-19 outbreak at a long-term care facility in Canon City after two residents tested positive for the coronavirus.
The department issued a news release Tuesday saying that COVID-19 tests were administered to all 35 patients at Canon Lodge in Canon City on April 2 and 3. Two of the residents tested positive, and 12 tests are still pending.
According to Fremont Health Officials, the facility first had a single resident test for COVID-19 after showing symptoms of the virus. After the test results came back positive, they tested the remaining 34 residents through a private laboratory.
"More than ever, we need to follow public health orders, practice good hygiene, and be vigilant about practicing social or physical distancing," said public health director Emma Davis.
No visitors have been allowed in the facility since early March, and only essential personnel are allowed to enter the facility. It is unclear how two residents became infected. An investigation is currently underway.
KRDO asked health officials in Fremont county why they are labeling this an 'outbreak' when a majority of the resident’s test results came back negative and a dozen are still pending.
“Per our state guidelines an outbreak at a long term care facility is one confirmed positive case of COVID-19 of a resident and then another positive case within the same week," said Davis. "So if you have two positives within the same week, that is determined an outbreak.”
