As we watch the COVID-19 pandemic on the global and local stage, we in Garfield County can be grateful. So far, we have had zero confirmed COVID-19 cases. It is hard to say whether our lack of COVID-19 cases is due to our quarantine efforts, to providence, or just good luck. In any case, our community has done a great job and should be congratulated. However, it’s not time to let down our guard and declare victory. Warmer weather may help, but the COVID-19 virus is still out there and is still contagious.

We would like to remind you of two points. First point: Our community has a relatively high percentage of senior citizens and a vulnerable population at risk for severe COVID-19 infection. As our social restrictions are gradually lifted, please continue good hand hygiene, social distancing and wearing masks when social distancing is not possible. Think of these actions as a way of showing love and concern for others. Please be aware that some people have minimal or no symptoms of COVID-19, and yet may be still contagious. By taking these precautions, we are protecting the more vulnerable members in our community as well as ourselves.

Second point: We note that mortality rates across the nation have risen during the COVID-19 pandemic, but not all increased death rates are just due to COVID-19 cases. This rise in mortality also appears to be due to patients not obtaining health care for other problems in a timely manner. In some areas, it may be that health care systems were overwhelmed and so appropriate health care was simply not available. But in most areas, it appears that patients choose to postpone seeking health care due to fears of COVID-19 exposure or patients didn’t want to further burden health care providers. In our local Garfield County system, for example, we have noted more ER visits and an increase in the severity opf health conditions due to postponing clinic visits. Taking care of health issues in earlier stage can prevent larger issues down the road.

We want the community to know that our clinics and hospital are here for you. In order to keep our health care centers safe, we are taking precautions. We are asking questions, have placed signs, and locked doors which we know makes it cumbersome for our patients to visit the clinic and hospital. But do not think of these as barriers to YOU, our patients, but as barrier to the COVID-19 virus. While Some “elective, nonemergent and screening” procedures may still have to wait a bit longer to be serviced, our local clinics and hospital are open and safe as possible to accommodate your health care needs. Please do not hesitate to seek medical care.

This message approved by Dr. Andrew Park, Garfield County Hospital District co-CEO Jayd Keener, Garfield County Hospital District co-CEO Mat Slaybaugh and Garfield County Hospital District Board of Directors Chair Cindy Wolf