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 Monday 1/25/2021 at 10:33 am.

PLEASE DISTRIBUTE THIS WIDELY

1/25/2021 Crowley/Otero COVID-19 Update #1:  Otero County 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.  On 12/30/2020 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.”  At the time of this announcement, Otero County was in still in Level Red from a numerical standpoint.  Yesterday afternoon, Sunday 1/24/2021 Otero County numerically crossed the Level Orange threshold, which is GREAT news!  Here are some details: 

1.      Time period:  1/10/2021-1/23/2021 (14 days, 2 weeks)

2.      Rate:  289.92

a.       Level:  Orange

b.      The upper threshold of Level Orange is 350 cases/100,000 population.

c.       Go to this website COVID-19 dial dashboard | Colorado COVID-19 Updates and click on Otero County in the map toward the top.  You will then see horizontal bar graphs appear to the right.  This data was accurate as of the time stamp noted at the top.  This data may change at approximately 4pm this afternoon. 

3.      Here are the level restrictions and determinants:  COVID-19 dial dashboard | Colorado COVID-19 Updates

4.      This does not change any restrictions at this time.  We were already under Level Orange restrictions due to the Governor’s action that was described above.  What this does show is our progress.  Our rates are reducing because you are doing your part.  Please continue to abide by the Public Health Orders (https://covid19.colorado.gov/prepare-protect-yourself/prevent-the-spread/public-health-executive-orders), level restrictions (COVID-19 dial dashboard | Colorado COVID-19 Updates), and COVID-19 precautions (https://covid19.colorado.gov/prevention).  If we become complacent and stop doing our part, the rate’s current downward trend can change direction very quickly.  The only way we are going to beat COVID-19 is together. 

So remember, your actions are making a difference!  They are leading to reduced rates, which ultimately means fewer COVID-19 related illnesses and lessened restrictions for individuals, families, schools, and businesses. 

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