This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
Coronavirus Update March 6, 2020
Over the past couple of weeks, we have been in touch with public health entities at the local and regional level, emergency operations staff, health care providers, and other area partners to make sure we’re working together to provide the most accurate and timely information to our community, and to safeguard the health and safety of our Longmont residents. While Boulder County
Public Health takes the lead on handling the management of any outbreak, the City of Longmont is tasked with ensuring that essential services can continue to operate, no matter the hazard.
City Functions and Services
In situations like this, our City utilizes our continuity of operations plans to ensure City Departments and Staff are prepared to adapt and provide ongoing services to the community in the event the spread of the virus impacts Longmont. These services include water, electricity, NextLight internet, sewer, and waste collection, as well as public safety and supportive services.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and adjust these plans as needed to best serve Longmont residents. The best way for you to have the latest information about City services is to check out the City’s homepage: LongmontColorado.gov. It’s also virus that we all do our part to limit the spread of coronavirus in our city.
What You Can Do To Help Keep Our Community Safe
Stay informed
Keep up to date on coronavirus information from the following sources:
- Boulder County Public Health – BoCo.org/COVID-19
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment – Colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/2019-novel-coronavirus
- Centers for Disease Control – Cdc.gov/coronavirus
- World Health Organization – Who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
- Call CO-Help at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 or email [email protected] for answers in English and Spanish
Travel Recommendations
Anyone who has recently traveled to an area with widespread, ongoing community spread, including in the U.S., should take these steps to monitor your health and practice social distancing:
- Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also, watch for a cough or trouble breathing.
- Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school for this 14-day period. Discuss your work situation with your employer before returning to work.
- Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares during the time you are practicing social distancing.
- Avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers and movie theaters) and limit your activities in public.
- Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).
Prevent the spread of germs
Everyone has a part to play in preparing and staying healthy! Remember to practice these everyday preventive behaviors:
- Stay home when sick
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Frequently wash hands with soap and water or alcohol-based solution
- Clean frequently touched surfaces
- Call your healthcare provider for guidance if you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, and separate yourself from others.
Longmont has a
history of “can-do” service to its customers. The City has weathered major flooding, record-breaking snow, previous flu outbreaks, and many other surprises with no or minimal disruption of water, sewer, electric, trash, and public safety services. Although we can’t predict the future and severity of factors that could influence City services, our staff is diligent and facilities resilient. We expect to continue uninterrupted service to the community during the Coronavirus outbreak.
