After a weekend without any new cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced four new presumptive positive cases in the state Monday, bringing the total to 12. Results of another test were indeterminate.

While CDPHE is able conduct testing, confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is needed for positive cases identified by the state laboratory. CDPHE is handling the cases as positives while awaiting CDC results.

Monday’s cases include

• A woman in her 50s in Larimer County
• A woman in her 70s in Eagle County
• A female in her 30s in Denver County
• A woman in her 30s in Arapahoe County

The indeterminate case is a woman in her 70s in Denver.

Last week, announcements were made about two cases in Denver, three cases in Douglas County, and one case each in Eagle, El Paso and Summit counties.

The first cases of COVID-19 come as little surprise. State agencies have expected COVID-19 to appear in Colorado and have been preparing for weeks to address health needs in coordination with local public health agencies.

As of Monday evening, the state laboratory has conducted 298 COVID-19 tests. Of those tests, 284 were negative. The total number reflects samples tested, not people. Results are being updated daily.

According to CDPHE, COVID-19 is primarily spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People who have sustained contact within six feet of an infected individual are most at risk of transmission.

Health officials are advising Coloradans to stay informed, take simple disease prevention measures, and prepare. 

• Practice good hygiene. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. In the absence of soap and water, use hand-sanitizer with on alcohol content of at least 60 percent.
• Use your elbow or sleeve to cover coughs and sneezes.
• Stay home if you're sick; keep your children home if they are sick. The illness can last for many days so, make preparations now to work from home if possible.
• Always be prepared for an emergency -- like a large snowstorm -- and have a plan for your family.  Make sure to have at least 72 hours of key supplies on hand such as medications, infant formula, diapers, pet food, etc. FEMA guidance for pre-pandemic COVID-19 preparedness is available at www.Ready.gov.
• Stay informed with reliable, up-to-date information. People who have general questions about COVID-19 can call CO HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911, or email  COHELP@RMPDC.org.