Coronavirus: First victim in Colorado may have exposed more than 100 elderly people at bridge tournaments

At least one other bridge player has been said to have since tested positive for Covid-19

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The first coronavirus patient in Colorado to have died of the disease may have exposed a number of vulnerable people after attending a bridge tournament prior to her diagnosis.

According to local reports, a woman in her 80s, who was the first person to die of the virus in Colorado, attended the Colorado Springs Bridge Center for a number of bridge games around two weeks prior to her death.

One of the tournaments she attended was reported to have hosted around 100 other attendees, predominantly older people from across southern Colorado.

Officials have issued an alert for anyone who attended the centre between late February and early March experiencing symptoms of Covid-19, to call their health care provider immediately.

“We’re extremely concerned about possible transmission both at the tournament and in communities after they went home,” said Kimberly Pattison, EPCPH Communicable Disease Program Manager.

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“Many attendees were older people who might be especially vulnerable to severe illness from Covid-19.”  

One other bridge player has since tested positive for the virus and two others have been hospitalised with symptoms but are not confirmed cases, according to The Denver Post.

John Dukellis, a club director, who said he has been fielding calls from scared players told the newspaper that he believed 95 percent of the people in attendance were over the age of 65.

“This group is going to be hard hit,” Mr Dukellis said. “This is just the beginning.

Officials said it is particularly important for those who attended the centre between the 27 February and 3 March to pay diligence to their health after the possible exposure.

Dr Robin Johnson, medical director of El Paso County Public Health told The Denver Post he believed the woman was unaware of her symptoms when attending the games.

“For older people and anyone who belongs to a more vulnerable group, we continue to urge you to stay away from large gatherings,” said State Epidemiologist Dr Rachel Herlihy.

“As the governor has recommended, people should stay away from gatherings of more than 250 people. We all have a role in protecting each other from possible exposure.”

Last week Gov Jared Polis banned gatherings of more than 250 people in the state until the end of the month, according to CBS.

Reports said the statewide total of positive cases of Covid-19 in Colorado was 160 as of Monday.