Denver Intl. Airport Employee Tests Positive For Coronavirus

DENVER, CO — A City and County of Denver employee at Denver International Airport has received a presumptive positive test for COVID-19 at the state laboratory, the city announced Wednesday. The test is awaiting confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The employee is symptomatic and is isolated from others, the city said.

The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment is working with other public health agencies to trace all contacts the employee may have had, and identifying people who may have been exposed, officials said. Those who have had "close and extended contact with this individual when symptomatic" have been contacted, the city said.

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Several Denver first responders have been notified of a recent exposure during a routine response to someone who later tested presumptive positive to COVID-19, the city said. All first responders involved have been interviewed by the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment and Denver Public Health and have received guidance, which "ranges from self-monitoring for symptoms to restrictions from work for up to 14 days," officials said.

"With an employee population of some 13,000 and increased local capability to test for COVID-19, we expect to identify additional employees throughout the city, and we will update the public regularly," the city said in a media release. "The personal information of those affected by COVID-19 will not be shared publicly."

Gov. Jared Polis declared a state of emergency Tuesday and announced the state's plan for combating the virus.

A new COVID-19 testing lab opened Wednesday in Denver at 8100 East Lowry Boulevard. A doctor's order is needed to get tested at the new center.

Here is a full breakdown of the latest cases in Colorado.

The Colorado Department of Public Health has issued the following tips for protection against the new coronavirus:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you are sick, and keep your children at home when they are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Other information on COVID-19:

• Americans Over 60 Should Hunker Down To Avoid Coronavirus: CDC
• America's Coronavirus Virus: Psychology Of Panic And Stockpiling
• Coronavirus And The Prospect Of Working From Home: Helpful Tips
• Coronavirus: Tips To Prepare Your Home
• EPA Lists Disinfectants To Fight Coronavirus