March 16, 2020 --- In light of the quick spread of COVID-19 across the state and although there is not a confirmed positive case in Broomfield, in an effort to continue the proactive approach to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and with the health and safety of our community at top of mind, the City and County of Broomfield will close for non-essential services on Tuesday, March 17 until further notice. 
 
Residents will not see an interruption in essential services, which include; emergency services, oil and gas inspections and other regulatory functions, utilities (water, electric, etc), Capital Improvement Projects that are in progress, as well as City Management staff and the main phone line, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (303.469.3301) and through the info@broomfield.org email after hours. 
 
Essential employees will continue to report for duty, with social distancing and contingency plans in place. Other employees will work from home to make progress on their high-impact work for the day-in and day-out essential needs of the residents of Broomfield.
 
City and County Manager Jennifer Hoffman says the decision was not made lightly as the community's engagement with its government is paramount to its success. Hoffman, with the support of the Mayor, City Council, residents and staff of Broomfield, is confident the closure of non-essential services is what's best for Broomfield. 
 
"The distancing and isolation will be difficult for our highly engaged community," says Hoffman. " Every hand we don't shake should be a call we place, every embrace we avoid should be replaced with a kind word and every foot we physically place between ourselves should become a selfless act or offer to help." 
 
Public Health Director Jason Vahling says, "Colorado is experiencing a rapid increase in COVID-19 transmission that is threatening the health of our residents and overwhelming the healthcare system. Limiting large gatherings and the use of social distancing is the best way to decrease the risk of transmission to our most vulnerable populations, and reduce the impact to local medical facilities. It is clear we must act now to take proactive actions in Broomfield, the region and state." 
 
Broomfield also declared a local disaster emergency , allowing the city and county to more readily take responsive action.
 
Mayor-Pro Tem Guyleen Castriotta says, "This is uncharted territory - Broomfield is surrounded with counties and communities with the confirmed coronavirus, it's only a matter of time until it's confirmed in Broomfield. Now is the time to act and I firmly believe the precautionary measures taken so far have made a difference in the goal to slow the spread in our community and flatten the curve."
 
Mayor Pat Quinn says, "It's critical for the City and County of Broomfield to rally together to find a way to support our local business community, in addition to our residents. A focus on economic vitality and resiliency is and will continue to be a priority as we move forward together to help one another come out of this a stronger and more vibrant community."
 
Broomfield staff is planning a Telephone Town Hall for Broomfield residents on Thursday, March 19 at 7 p.m. Please look for more information on the Town Hall, additional updates and lists of community resources at BroomfieldHealth.org . 
 


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 
TESTING:  If you are exhibiting symptoms, which include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, you should go to your medical provider, like a clinic or hospital, but ONLY AFTER calling the provider (i.e. do not show up unannounced). The medical provider will evaluate you and determine if testing is needed for influenza, other respiratory illnesses, and COVID-19. Regular updates about state testing sites are posted on the Colorado Department Public Health and Environment(CDPHE) website.
 
MOST AT-RISK: Older adults (60+) and people who have serious chronic medical conditions are at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. If you are at increased risk for COVID-19 complications due to age or a serious underlying medical condition, or if you care for someone who is at increased risk, it is especially important for you to take action to reduce your risk of exposure including the following. Click here to learn more.
  • Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others.
  • When you go out in public, stay away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
  • Avoid crowds as much as possible.
  • Avoid   cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
  • During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community,   stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of exposure.
PREVENTION: Ways for individuals to participate in prevention efforts is to engage in self-care, general hygiene, staying home if sick, increasing efforts to clean commonly touched surfaces, and educating yourself using reliable sources. More information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on how individuals, families and businesses can prepare are here , as well as previous communications from BPHE ( here ).

 
MORE INFORMATION: Please help us slow the spread of misinformation by relying on and sharing credible information from BPHE, CDPHE, and CDC: 
Broomfield (BPHE) Updates:
For more resources and information visit BroomfieldHealth.org , sign up for email updates , and follow us on Facebook at BHealthy Broomfield . 
Colorado (CDPHE) Updates: 
Call CO Help at 303.389.1687 or 1.877.462.2911 or email COHELP@RMPDC.org , for answers in English and Spanish to your COVID-19 questions or visit their website at Colorado.gov .
Federal (CDC) Updates: