State health department begins to distribute resources from Strategic National StockpileMarch 23, 2020 The Colorado State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) are shipping supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile across Colorado starting today, Monday, March 23, to help communities respond to COVID-19. The Strategic National Stockpile is “the nation’s largest supply of potentially life-saving pharmaceuticals and medical supplies for use in a public health emergency severe enough to cause local supplies to run out.” Colorado received the following materials:
CDPHE estimates that these supplies are sufficient for approximately one full day of statewide operations. The State Unified Command Group, which is part of the EOC, will distribute these materials to every county health department and tribe throughout the state where they are needed most. The following factors were used to determine allocation:
All county health departments and tribes in the state will receive supplies. CDPHE will work with regional staff to coordinate deliveries. “We are relieved that we have finally received materials from the Strategic National Stockpile, but it’s not nearly enough,” said Scott Bookman, COVID Incident Commander, CDPHE. “We’re going to need more supplies and are grateful to all our partners across the state who are donating supplies and stepping up to help Colorado meet the demand.” There are many ways people can contribute to these efforts:
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is meant for single-use and is recommended by the CDC to be used for COVID-19 testing. In order to preserve these important resources for critical health care needs, CDPHE is urging the public to not wait for a test to self-isolate. People who are not at high risk of severe illness may not need to be evaluated in person or tested for COVID-19. Not everyone with symptoms will be tested right away. Call your health care provider only if your illness becomes more severe, especially if you are experiencing shortness of breath. If you have any symptoms -- even mild ones -- public health urges you to stay home and isolate yourself until:
Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.
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