THIS IS A RAPIDLY EVOLVING AND FLUID SITUATION.  INFORMATION AND ACTION ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME.  BE PREPARED TO BE FLEXIBLE AND PATIENT.

The situations, numbers, website links, data, and etc. described below were current as of Thursday 12/31/2020 at 8:37 am.

PLEASE DISTRIBUTE THIS WIDELY

12/31/2020 Crowley/Otero COVID-19 Update #1:  Movement to Level Orange.

Please take the time to read and understand this entire message.

Internet links:  Before I send out each update, I check the links to make sure they are active.  However, links do change from time to time, so the links I sent out today may not be the same tomorrow.  You may have to search around a bit.

Hello to all.  Last night CDPHE released the following information:  “the governor announced that he is directing CDPHE to move all counties in the Red level on the Dial to the Orange level, effective on Monday, January 4. He is making this move in response to a 13 day downward trend in cases statewide, and a plea from counties that are suffering economically.  As always, you may put more restrictive orders in place.”

At the time of this writing, I am still seeing very encouraging data from Crowley and Otero Counties.  Our rates, percent positivity, and hospitalizations are all decreasing, so OCHD will not be putting more restrictive orders in place.  Crowley and Otero counties will be in Level Orange effective this Monday, 1/4/2021.  Level Orange restrictions can be found here:  COVID-19 dial dashboard | Colorado COVID-19 Updates

A big reason why we are seeing dramatic decreases is behavior.  Wearing masks, socially distancing, staying home if sick, only gathering with members of your household, etc.  To those individuals and families that are working hard to do your part, you are making a positive difference.  Thank you!  To those businesses that are working very hard and sacrificing to follow public health orders, you are lowering the risk to yourself, your employees, and your customers, you are making a positive difference.  Thank you! 

Now, some very important things to remember:

1. The pandemic is not over, keep taking appropriate precautions for yourself and others. 
2. We made this progress by working together, and we must continue to do this.
3. If we become complacent and stop doing our part, this downward trend can reverse VERY quickly, and our rates can begin to rise again.
4. After you receive your COVID-19 vaccination, please remember that:
1. You are not instantly immune, it takes time for your body to develop immunity.
2. You are still subject to current public health orders (i.e. wearing masks, socially distancing, etc.).

Tomorrow I will work on and release an update that will detail our plans for a drive through clinic next week, stay tuned.

PLEASE celebrate New Year’s only with members of your immediate household.  Our collective behaviors, as individuals and families, is what will determine the trajectory (i.e. increasing rates or decreasing rates) of this outbreak.  It is up to us!

Richard Ritter, Executive Director

Otero County Health Department

13 West 3rd Street, Room 111

La Junta, Colorado 81050

719-383-3045 (Office)

719-383-3060 (Fax)

rritter@oterogov.org