EL PASO COUNTY — El Paso County, Colorado is on a list of 15 counties at risk for losing restriction variances if COVID-19 numbers do not improve. There is a timeline for improving numbers requiring the submission of a mitigation plan that is monitored by the Colorado Department of Public Health.
There is a two week period to create and implement the mitigation plan. There is then a review of progress. At this point, there could be adjustments. "We do have a short window in which to have that impact," said El Paso County Public Health, Medical Director, Dr. Robin Johnson.
More acceptable COVID-19 infection numbers then need to happen within another two weeks. "So that we do not have to entertain stepping back or closures. That is still on the table, but our goal is to not go there," said Dr. Johnson.
Essential is getting broader support from the public. Prevention remains the best option for fighting COVID-19. Johnson says layering basics like distancing, washing hands, and wearing masks continue as first-line prevention. "Then making some wise choices about what activities we do, how many activities we do, and then the numbers of people we're interacting with."
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