Updated COVID-19 Guidance on Isolation and Vaccines

UPDATED ISOLATION GUIDANCE

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) updated guidance streamlines recommendations for dealing with a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, such as COVID-19, flu, and RSV. People who test positive for COVID-19 no longer need to stay in isolation for five days. People can return to regular activities when their symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours and it has been 24 hours since they’ve had a fever. Once people return to regular activities, they are encouraged to take precautions for an additional 5 days, especially if they will be around people over 65 or those at risk for severe disease.

“This shift in the guidance shows how far we have come in dealing with COVID-19. We have learned so much in the last four years as to how this virus operates and how we can work together as a community to keep this controlled,” said Disease Surveillance Specialist Julie Hartshorn.

Visit our website to easily access the latest information about COVID-19 and resources available in our community.

LATEST COVID-19 VACCINE RECOMMENDATION

Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) is taking appointments for adults 65 and older to receive an additional dose (at least 4 months after their last dose) of the updated COVID-19 vaccine. This is in light of new guidance from the CDC, recommending this age group receive an additional dose to protect against the worst outcomes of the virus.

“We know there are people in our community who are eager to receive another round of protection. These vaccines are one of the best tools we have to keep people out of the hospital and limit the spread of COVID-19,” said Clinical Services Manager Allison Sanchez. 

The CDC had previously recommended that immunocompromised people were eligible for additional doses of the  COVID-19 vaccine. 

Call 970-248-6900 to schedule an appointment.

COVID-19 IN MESA COUNTY

We continue to have hospitalizations related to COVID-19 in our community. Since October 1, 2023, 194 Mesa County residents have been hospitalized with COVID-19. Follow our respiratory illness data on our website to stay informed.

Additional resources for local COVID-19 data: 

• COVID Data Tracker
• COVID-19 County Check

The best ways to keep yourself and the community healthy include:

• Stay up to date on vaccines.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Disinfect surfaces you frequently touch at home and work, like door knobs and light switches.
• Take steps for cleaner air, such as bringing in more fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors.