COVID-19 Prevention

Prevention Measures

It is important for everyone, regardless of vaccination status, to continue to practice the 4 W's. 

After you receive the second dose of the vaccine, it will take time for your body to respond and make enough antibodies to protect you. This could take up to one to two weeks after your last dose. Current information suggests that it is possible that someone who has been vaccinated against COVID-19 may still have a mild or asymptomatic infection, and can spread the virus to others who have not yet been vaccinated.

Protect yourself and those around you by continuing to take necessary precautions. 

WASH

WEAR

WATCH

WAIT

What are COVID-19 symptoms?

Symptoms can appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Consider getting tested if you have any of the following:
Fever of 100.4 degrees or higher
Fatigue
Diarrhea
Body Aches
Shortness of Breath
Headaches
Chills
Loss of Taste or Smell
Cough
Congestion or Runny Nose
Sore Throat
Nausea/Vomiting/Loss of Appetite

When should I quarantine?

You should quarantine AFTER you've been exposed to someone with COVID-19 but BEFORE you get sick. A person in quarantine is required to stay home, not go to work, avoid other people, and watch for symptoms.

Length
Is testing required?
Who should use this option? 
14 Day QuarantineNoPeople who have regular close contact with high risk individuals. This includes people who live or work in residential or congregate living facilities such as long term care or correctional facilities.*

People who had close contact with a case infected with a COVID-19 variant virus of concern (e.g. B.1.1.7 variant).**
10 Day QuarantineNoThis quarantine period is appropriate for most people who do not have contact with high risk individuals.
7 Day QuarantineYesPeople who do not have contact with high risk individuals and have a negative test collected 48 hours before quarantine is discontinued (on day 5 or later).

*The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recommends nursing homes use a 14-day quarantine period. During times of worker shortages, facilities may need to implement shorter or modified quarantine for critical infrastructure workers. 

**While in some cases of COVID-19 shorter quarantines might be appropriate, for contacts of cases infected with COVID-19 variant virusus a full 14-day quarantine is required. 

When should I isolate?

You must isolate AFTER you become sick or test positive with COVID-19. A person with COVID-19 is required to stay home, not go to work, and avoid other people, staying isolated in their own bedroom and using their own bathroom as much as possible.

Length
Is testing required?
Who should use this option?
Minimum 10 Day Isolation
Depends
People who have symptoms of COVID-19, or have tested positive for COVID-19. Isolation starts after the first day of symptoms or the date of a positive test if you do not have symptoms.

A person in isolation is required to stay home, not go to work, and avoid other people. Staying isolated in their own bedroom and using their own bathrooms as much as possible is the safest way to isolate.

Isolation ends 10 days after symptoms start, AND after 24 hours of no fever, AND after improving symptoms.




If You Must Travel During the Pandemic

Spring Break and summer vacation are approaching and while Broomfield is making inroads in stopping the spread of COVID-19, travel can increase your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19.

Quick Tips

  • Wear a mask and consider double masking
    • Do
      • Wear a mask with a nose wire.
      • Use a mask with a fitter or brace.
      • Make sure your mask fits snugly.
      • If you wear a double mask, use a cloth mask with multiple layers or a disposable mask under a cloth mask.
    • Don't
      • Wear two disposable masks
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water
  • When indoors, improve ventilation by opening windows and doors or by placing central air and heating on continuous circulation.
  • Weigh the risk of activities and remember that outdoor activities are preferable to indoor activities.
  • Keep your travel partners limited to those you already live with.

Traveling in Colorado

  • See what’s open in Colorado.
  • Visitors, or residents returning to Colorado, should get tested as soon as possible. Find a testing site.
    Colorado has a state-wide mask indoor ordinance that applies to people 11 and older.
    • Masks must also be worn when waiting for public or private transportation

Traveling outside Colorado

  • All visitors flying into the United States, including U.S. citizens, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from the virus before they board a flight to the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control.
  • Review travel restrictions, guidance and resources for your destination before you travel.
  • In the two weeks before you travel, have you or your guests had contact with people outside your household? The following can put you at higher risk of contracting COVID-19:
    • Going to a large social gathering like a wedding, funeral, or party.
    • Attending a mass gathering like a sporting event, concert, or parade.
    • Being in crowds like in restaurants, bars, fitness centers, or movie theaters.
    • Taking public transportation like planes, trains, or buses, or being in transportation hubs like airports.
    • Traveling on a cruise ship or riverboat.

      Visit covid19.colorado.gov/travel for tips on protecting yourself and others while traveling, what’s open in the state and other things to consider.