DIRECTORS' CORNER

Jeffco Under Safer-at-Home Order as of May 9

Along with other counties in the Denver Metro region, Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) allowed the county’s extension of the Stay-at-Home order to expire at midnight on May 8. This means that Critical Businesses can remain open, and many non-Critical Businesses can begin to open with some restrictions according to the state’s Safer-at-Home order.

Our community has taken the steps needed to help slow the spread of COVID-19 these past few months, and has continued to be diligent about social distancing precautions during the extended Stay-at-Home period in Jeffco. I know it was not easy for anyone, but progress has been made, especially in these last few weeks.

Under Safer-at-Home, community members are strongly advised to continue staying at home to the greatest extent possible, only interacting with household contacts and only leaving for essential activities. People at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19, such as people 65 and older, should continue to stay at home unless leaving is absolutely necessary.

Find more information, including guidance for local businesses, at www.jeffco.us/safer-at-home.

Stay healthy and safe!

Mark B. Johnson, MD, MPH
Executive Director
Jefferson County Public Health

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and taking care of your mental health has never been more essential. Here are some mental health resources for this unique season as we learn to cope with COVID-19.
We are in this together Jeffco!

Protect Yourself and Your Pets from Rabies

As the weather warms up, it is important to remember to protect ourselves and our furry friends from diseases from wildlife, like rabies. People and animals can get rabies from the bite of (or saliva from) an animal with rabies, such as skunks and bats. Rabies is a fatal disease if left untreated. Learn what to do to prevent rabies, and know what to do if you or your pet could have been exposed.

Jeffco Hispanic Population Hit Harder by COVID-19

In Jefferson County, Hispanic people make up only 15.5% of the population — but account for 21.2% of the 1,394 closed cases of COVID-19 as of May 4. This article in the Lakewood Sentinel explores the inequities that lead to poorer health outcomes for Hispanics and Latinos and other minority populations.

Face Covering Guidance

As we move into the Safer-at-Home level of the COVID-19 response, it is important to protect yourself and others around you when outside of your home. A simple non-medical cloth face covering can help slow the spread of COVID-19. Learn more about face covering guidance.

Follow JCPH’s Blog Series, Resilience

This series explores topics related to mental wellness and coping during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we provide weekly resources in Spanish and English. See our latest posts on grief, the importance of routines, healthy eating and hydration habits and more. Follow along to see the new posts every week. Read more.

National Women’s Health Week

May 10-16 is National Women's Health Week! It serves as a reminder for women and girls, especially during the outbreak of COVID-19, to make their health a priority and take care of themselves. It’s never too late or too early to work towards being your healthiest you. Find ideas to improve your health in a way that’s uniquely you.

DATA ROUNDUP: COVID-19 Case Summary

20,157 total cases in Colorado, source for all data is Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment as of 4 p.m. on April 6, 2020

137 hospitalizations in Jefferson County and 19 deaths in Jefferson County

There is currently widespread transmission of COVID-19 in Colorado and Jefferson County. Click here for a summary of cases at the state level. Click here for a summary of cases in Jefferson County.

GET INVOLVED

Talk with Your Teen About Their Mental Health

Mental health is a state of well-being in our thoughts, emotions and behaviors. All of us have good days and bad days, and adults can let the youth in their lives know they are there for them. Ask your teen open-ended questions, like, "How can I be there for you?," or "What do you wish I understood about you?" Then listen openly to what they say.

The best way to show your teen you care? Be there. Have a talk with your teen. Learn more at twelvetalks.com.

May Board of Health Meeting (Virtual)

The May Board of Health meeting will be held on May 19, beginning at 4 p.m. Find the Zoom information for joining virtually on our Board of Health webpage.

PARTNER PROFILE

Jefferson Center

Jefferson Center’s mission is to inspire hope, improve lives and strengthen our community by providing mental health and related solutions for individuals and families. During this season they have remained a vital support system to the people of Jefferson County. Find out more on their website or call 303-425-0500.

Join the conversation! Follow Jefferson County Public Health on Facebook at @jeffcopublichealth and on Twitter and Instagram at @jeffcoph. Visit our website at www.jeffco.us/public-health.

May 2020 // Volume 2, Issue 5