DENVER – Personal protective equipment and other items from the Strategic National Stockpile sent to Colorado started being shipped out to health care providers across the state Monday by the state, though health officials say the supply is only enough for one day of work statewide.
Colorado received the following from the stockpile, which is the largest supply of PPE on hand for medical providers to use in case local supplies run out:
· 49,200 N95 masks
· 115,000 surgical masks
· 21,420 surgical gowns
· 21,800 face shields
· 84 coveralls
The CDPHE said Monday, as Gov. Jared Polis said Sunday, that the supplies would only cover about one day of operations statewide.
The materials will be distributed by the State Operations Center’s State Unified Command Group. The items will go to all county health departments and every tribe in Colorado and will be prioritized for those that need them the most.
The state says the materials were allocated by county population, the percentage of people in each county that is older than 65, the number of nursing homes, facilities and long-term care facilities and if a county or tribe has previously received supplies.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will work with regional staffers to coordinate the delivery of the supplies.
“We are relieved that we have finally received materials from the Strategic National Stockpile, but it’s not nearly enough,” said Scott Bookman, the COVID Incident Commander for 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.”
In addition to a drive held in Denver Sunday, the EOC is coordinating requests for supplies, donations and trained medical personnel. Anyone wishing to donate their materials or services is asked to do so by clicking here.
Coloradans who have symptoms of COVID-19 are urged to isolate immediately. Testing for the virus is currently limited to people with severe illnesses, and the state says not everyone with symptoms will be tested immediately.
If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, like shortness of breath, you’re asked to call your health care provider.
People who have had symptoms are being asked to isolate at least 7 days since the onset of symptoms, then not to leave isolation until they have not had a fever or other symptoms for at least 72 hours afterward.
People experiencing very severe respiratory symptoms or medical emergencies are asked to call 911 and talk to dispatchers about your symptoms.
For the latest on COVID-19 in Colorado, click here.
