I am a physician trained in clinical immunology, asthma and rheumatology. It is highly likely that Durango will experience an increase in COVID-19 infections this summer if steps are not taken to evaluate the health status of tourists who come to our community.
The medical science of stemming an epidemic is well known and has been practiced successfully throughout our country’s history. These principles include diagnosis, quarantine and contact tracing.
Here is how this science could be used in Durango to prevent the suffering and death of community members because of COVID-19 this summer.
All new arrivals in Durango (yes, tourists) would be required to undergo testing for COVID-19 with a rapid method. Those who test positive would have the option of quarantining themselves for two weeks in a local facility under the auspices of San Juan Basin Public Health. The alternative would be to immediately return home with SJBPH facilitating information transfer to their local health department.
There must be aggressive enforcement of mask wearing on our streets and in businesses. Wearing a mask is solely to protect our community from the wearer’s possible illness. It has nothing to do with political party or liberal or conservative stance. This is a health measure, not a personal statement. Compliance is indicative of one’s commitment to community.
These recommendations involve the application of the science of medicine to our experience as a community. There is no bias except toward what is true.
Susan RistowDurango
