2/19/2021 Crowley/Otero COVID-19 Update #1: Weekly Update

Description: 2/19/2021 Crowley/Otero COVID-19 Update #1: Weekly Update.

Published: 02/19/2021

Byline: Hart

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 Friday 2/19/2021 at 9:00 am.

PLEASE DISTRIBUTE THIS WIDELY

2/19/2021 Crowley/Otero COVID-19 Update #1: Weekly Update

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. Please find this week’s COVID-19 updates below:

Current COVID-19 Dial Status

ü Crowley County: Crowley County has seen a very recent rate reduction, from 165.79 recorded on 2/16/2021 to the current rate of 99.47 recorded on 2/17/2021. This is the non-prison inmate one week cumulative incidence rate per 100,000 population for the time period of 2/11/2021-2/17/2021. For a one week period, the threshold between Blue Level and Yellow Level is 100. And, good news, this slides us just under the Yellow Level threshold of 100, so we are numerically back in Blue Level.

ü Otero County: Otero County has seen a slow rate increase, and we just crossed the Yellow Level threshold with a rate of 109.40. This is the one week cumulative incidence rate per 100,000 population for the time period of 2/11/2021-2/17/2021. For a one week period, the threshold between Blue Level and Yellow Level is 100.

o What does this mean:

§ This is very recent data with just 2 date points (2/16/2021 & 2/17/2021) in Yellow Level;

§ This DOES NOT establish a trend yet, it’s too early to tell;

§ Otero County HAS NOT officially moved to Yellow Level; &

§ Otero County is still officially in Blue Level.

ü COVID-19 Dial Level determinants and restrictions: COVID-19 dial dashboard | Colorado COVID-19 Updates

ü Let’s keep our rates down! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE:

o Consider getting a COVID-19 vaccination when it becomes available to you;

§ Vaccination information

· Colorado COVID-19 Vaccine Website: COVID-19 vaccine | Colorado COVID-19 Updates

· Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): COVID-19 Vaccine frequently asked questions | Colorado COVID-19 Updates

· Vaccine for Coloradans: Vaccine for Coloradans | Colorado COVID-19 Updates

· Colorado Vaccine Dashboard: COVID-19 vaccine | Colorado COVID-19 Updates

· Vaccination Phases: To find the vaccination phase to which you belong and the current vaccination timelines, visit this link and scroll down a bit: COVID-19 vaccine | Colorado COVID-19 Updates

· Moderna Vaccine Information: Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine EUA Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers (fda.gov)

· Pfizer Vaccine Information: Coronavirus COVID-19 Vaccine Update: Latest Developments | Pfizer

· CDPHE COVID-19 vaccine hotline: This is a state-wide call center for the public to ask questions specifically about the COVID-19 vaccine. The hotline is open hours a day, seven days a week. The toll-free number is 1-877-CO VAX CO (1-877-268-2926).

o Wear a mask;

o Stay at least 6 feet away from others;

o Limit social interactions to those within your household;

o Symptom/temperature check all in your family before going out for necessary activities;

o Cover coughs and sneezes;

o Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth;

o Clean high touch surfaces;

o Stay home if you are sick; &

o Wash your hands appropriately and frequently.

o Here are some prevention recommendations: https://covid19.colorado.gov/prevention

Adverse Weather and Vaccine Shipments: Yesterday (Thursday, 2/18/2021) I received he following information from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) regarding vaccine shipment weather delays:

ü Moderna vaccine: Moderna vaccines were not shipped on Monday, February 15 or Tuesday, February 16, and will most likely not ship today, February 17, due to adverse weather conditions. CDC is working with McKesson and their shipping partners to resume operations as soon as the weather abates. They anticipate a significant back log of orders for distribution once operations resume and every effort will be made to catch up as soon as possible while safely delivering the vaccines.

ü Pfizer vaccine: Pfizer vaccines were not shipped out on Monday, February 15 due to weather conditions. A limited number of Pfizer vaccine shipments were processed Tuesday, February 16 and a similar plan is in effect for today, February 17.

ü What does this mean for Crowley/Otero Counties: This week we have been focusing on booster shots, and next week we are planning on providing more initial vaccinations. This weather situation may impact the number of vaccinations we are able to give next week.

3. School Staff and Childcare Worker Vaccinations: On Monday, 2/8/2012, Colorado opened vaccination Phase 1B.2, which allowed vaccinations for PreK-12 educators, school staff, and child care workers in licensed programs. I am very pleased to report that we and our partners have held vaccination clinics at all of the schools in Crowley and Otero Counties. A HUGE shout out and thanks to our partners who worked with us to provide these important vaccinations: Harris Pharmacy, Ordway Health Mart Pharmacy, Safeway Pharmacy, & Valley Wide Health Systems.

Free Community Testing: Through the month of February 2021 (or until further notice), free COVID-19 community testing will be available in Crowley and Otero Counties as follows:

ü Testing Location: Crowley County Nursing Center (CCNC), 401 Idaho Avenue, Ordway, CO 81063

§ Testing Dates

· 2/23/2021

§ Testing Hours: 9am-11am

ü Testing Location: Otero Junior College (OJC), 1619 San Juan Ave, La Junta, CO 81050

§ Testing Dates

· 2/24/2021

§ Testing Hours: 10am-3pm

ü General Information:

§ The testing site is open to anybody who wishes to be tested. We suggest visiting https://covid19.colorado.gov/testing for making a decision, but it is ultimately up to each individual person.

§ Testing is free.

§ No Appointment is required.

§ No physician order or insurance is required.

§ No email, No Problem - Staff at the test site will register you onsite

§ Individuals tested must be inside an enclosed vehicle for safety. No walk-ups or motorcycles are allowed through the testing site.

§ The site is open to neighboring communities and counties

§ When going to the community testing site, a nasal swab sample is collected by MAKO staff. Testing will be provided to individuals 2 years of age or older

§ Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Testing: English | Spanish

§ Community Testing is provided by Mako Medical. Se habla Español.

ü Getting Test Results

§ Results from MAKO Medical testing sites will be available four days after testing.

§ Texting: “MAKO” to 66349

§ Visiting mako.luminatehealth.com

§ Calling the customer service line Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM, (719) 416-5857

Crowley/Otero Five (5) Star State Certification Program: If you have questions about this program, please go to 5 Star State Certification Program | Colorado COVID-19 Updates or contact the Co-chairs of the local 5 star administrative committee using the contact information below:

ü Ozzie Hoeme, ohoeme@fastenal.com

ü Jeremiah Stoker, jeremiah540@hotmail.com

School Webpages: Please visit these websites for school-specific information and updates regarding COVID-19:

a. Cheraw: https://www.cheraw.k12.co.us/

b. Crowley County: http://www.cck12.net/

c. Fowler: http://www.fowler.k12.co.us/

d. La Junta: https://www.lajuntaschools.org/

e. Manzanola: https://www.manzanola.k12.co.us/

f. OJC: https://www.ojc.edu/

g. Rocky Ford: https://www.rockyfordk12.org/

h. Swink: https://www.swinkk12.net/

VACCINATION INFORMATION

a. Phase/Prioritization and Timelines

Ø Important Note: Timeline subject to change based on supply chain. Prioritization subject to change based CDC guidance, data, science, availability.

Ø Phase 1B.1

ü Timeline: Winter (Current, where we are right now)

ü Eligibility requirements

o Coloradans 70 and older

o Moderate risk health care workers

o First responders.

Ø Phase 1B.2

ü Timeline: Winter (Current, where we are right now)

ü Eligibility requirements

o Coloradans ages 65-69

o PreK-12 educators and school staff

§ Teachers (full-time, student teachers, and substitutes)

§ Bus drivers, school food service workers, counselors, administrative staff, safety workers, and other support services offered inside the school.

o Child care workers in licensed programs.

o State Government: Members of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of government.

Ø Phase 1B.3

ü Timeline: Winter (It is estimated that by early March everyone in Phase 1B.3 will be eligible to receive the vaccine.)

ü Eligibility requirements

o Frontline essential workers

§ Food and agriculture, manufacturing, U.S. postal service, public transit and specialized transportation staff, grocery, food service, faith leaders, public health, frontline essential human services, faith leaders, direct care providers for Coloradans experiencing homelessness, and essential frontline journalists.

o Coloradans ages 16-64 with two or more high-risk conditions

§ Coloradans with cancer (defined as patients who are currently receiving treatment or have received treatment within the last month for cancer), chronic kidney disease, COPD, diabetes mellitus, Down syndrome, specific heart conditions, obesity, pregnancy, sickle cell disease, solid organ transplant, people with disabilities that prevent them from wearing masks.

Ø Phase 2

ü Timeline: Spring

ü Eligibility requirements: People age 60-64, people with high risk conditions, and the continuation of operations for state government and continuity of local government.

Ø Phase 3

ü Timeline: Summer

ü Eligibility requirements: General public not addressed by previous phases.

Ø For vaccination phase information in Spanish, please go to this website: SPA phase distribution

b. Phase 1B.1 & Phase 1B.2 Vaccination Registration: Crowley and Otero residents that are eligible for Phase 1B.1 and Phase 1B.2 can register for OCHD vaccination clinics. If you are not sure if you are eligible for these phases, just look up at the preceding section. We will contact those registered on a “first registered, first served” basis as vaccine supply allows. Get on the list now, the website is up and running. Here is the website to register: ochdvaxnow.com

c. Phase 1B.3 Vaccination Registration: Check out the eligibility requirements for this phase above, and if you meet them you can register now for upcoming OCHD vaccination clinics. If you had previously registered your employees on our website, you are still on the list, no need to register again. We are just changing the name to be consistent with CDPHE. Please note, per CDPHE guidance, we are currently focusing on Phase 1B.1 & 1B.2. It is anticipated that we will begin Phase 1B.3 vaccinations in early March. We will contact those registered on a “first registered, first served” basis as vaccine supply allows. However, you can get on the list now, the website is up and running. Here is the website to register: phase1b3.ochdvaxnow.com

d. Vaccination Registration Assistance: If you need assistance with online registration, we are happy to help you register for a vaccination. Please call the following OCHD staff during normal business hours and ask for assistance with vaccination registration:

ü Dee Leyba, 719-241-4741

ü Carolina Cortez, 719-468-8083

ü Notes

§ If these staff are not readily available, please leave your name and phone number and they will return your call as soon as they are able.

§ This is for individuals in Crowley and Otero County.

e. Ayuda En Espanol (Spanish Language Assistance): Para ayuda en Espanol, habla con Debbie Jaramillo en 719-383-3040 por favor (For help in Spanish, please call Debbie Jaramillo at 719-383-3040).

f. Vaccinations Through Medical Providers: If you have not yet received your vaccination, please check with your medical provider or local pharmacy regarding eligibility and vaccine supply. You can still check with your medical provider even if you have registered on OCHD’s website. If you have already registered on our website and you get the chance to get your initial vaccination at your medical provider, take it! Then when we contact you to schedule your vaccination, simple tell us you have already received it at your medical provider’s office and we will simply take you off of our list and contact the next person in line.

g. OCHD Vaccines: OCHD is now using both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. OCHD does not get to choose which vaccine we receive, and we have absolutely no hesitancy in using either Pfizer or Moderna. The Pfizer vaccine requires ultra-cold refrigeration, and OCHD has an appropriate ultra-cold freezer that maintains this vaccine at the proper temperature. Additionally, we have a digital temperature logger attached to it to ensure that the vaccine stays at the proper temperature. It is critically important that we use what we receive, and both of these vaccines are authorized and recommended for use.

ü If you would like to learn more about the Pfizer vaccine, please visit this website: Coronavirus COVID-19 Vaccine Update: Latest Developments | Pfizer

ü Here is where you can get information on the Moderna vaccine: Moderna’s Fully Enrolled Phase 3 COVE Study of mRNA-1273 | Moderna, Inc. (modernatx.com)

ü If you have any further questions, please contact Dee Leyba during normal business hours at 719-241-4741

h. Booster Shots

ü Where to go to get your booster shot: If you received your first vaccination through OCHD, we will contact you to arrange a time for your booster shot. If you received your first shot at another medical provider (i.e., your doctor’s office or pharmacy), please contact them regarding your booster shot. Regardless of where you go to get your booster shot, please be sure to bring your COVID-19 vaccination card that you received during your initial vaccination.

ü Booster Shot Timing: Here is the CDPHE information regarding the timing of booster shots: “If it isn’t possible to get the second dose on the right day, the second dose can be given early, up to 4 days before it is due. Additionally, the second dose can be given as late as 42 days (6 weeks) after the first dose. This is called a grace period.” Here is the website where you can read the above information COVID-19 Vaccine frequently asked questions | Colorado COVID-19 Updates and the information is under the heading entitled “Getting your second dose of vaccine”.

ü Booster shot appointments: If you received your first dose of COVID-19 vaccine from OCHD, we will contact you to make an appointment for your booster shot. We are having some trouble contacting a few people because they are not answering their phones nor returning messages. Please answer your phone or return a message from OCHD so we can schedule your booster shot appointment.

i. More Vaccine Information: Colorado-specific information on COVID-19 vaccine can be found here:

ü Colorado COVID-19 Vaccine Website: COVID-19 vaccine | Colorado COVID-19 Updates

ü Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): COVID-19 Vaccine frequently asked questions | Colorado COVID-19 Updates

ü Vaccine for Coloradans: Vaccine for Coloradans | Colorado COVID-19 Updates

ü Colorado Vaccine Dashboard: COVID-19 vaccine | Colorado COVID-19 Updates

ü Vaccination Phases: To find the vaccination phase to which you belong and the current vaccination timelines, visit this link and scroll down a bit: COVID-19 vaccine | Colorado COVID-19 Updates

ü Moderna Vaccine Information: Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine EUA Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers (fda.gov)

ü Pfizer Vaccine Information: Coronavirus COVID-19 Vaccine Update: Latest Developments | Pfizer

ü CDPHE COVID-19 vaccine hotline: This is a state-wide call center for the public to ask questions specifically about the COVID-19 vaccine. The hotline is open hours a day, seven days a week. The toll-free number is 1-877-CO VAX CO (1-877-268-2926).

COVID-19 Tests

a. Basic Information: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has some good, general information on the different types of COVID-19 tests about which you may have heard. To review this information, please go to the following website: Coronavirus Disease 2019 Testing Basics (fda.gov)

b. State Testing Sites: Here is a website that details COVID-19 testing sites across the state of Colorado: CDPHE Test Sites Portal (colorado.gov)

Summaries

a. CDPHE COVID-19 Data Webpage: https://covid19.colorado.gov/data

b. Crowley County (numbers are cumulative)

ü Current Level: Blue (Caution)

o What are the level restrictions/guidelines: COVID-19 dial dashboard | Colorado COVID-19 Updates

ü Total Cases: 1,934

o Change from last Friday’s update: 49 cases added

§ These numbers include inmates and nursing home residents (please see Facility Outbreaks below).

ü Community Cumulative Incidence Rates per 100,000 Population

o One week (for the time period 2/11/2021-2/17/2021): 99.47

§ Change from last week’s update: Increased by 33.16

o Two week (for the time period 2/4/2021-2/17/2021): 182.36

§ Change from last week’s update: Increased by 82.89

ü Total COVID Related Deaths: 14

o Change from last Friday’s update: 0

ü Facility Outbreaks

o Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility (AVCF)

§ Status: Active

· Date illnesses were determined to be an outbreak: 10/29/2020

· Total inmate cases: 948

· Total staff cases: 54

· Total inmate deaths: 4

o Crowley County Correctional Facility (CCCF)

§ Status: Resolved

· Date illnesses were determined to be an outbreak: 5/2/2020

· Date outbreak was considered closed: 7/20/2020

· Total inmate cases: 66

· Total staff cases: 4

§ Status: Active

· Date illnesses were determined to be an outbreak: 11/2/2020

· Total inmate cases: 569

· Total staff cases: 33

· Total inmate deaths: 1

o Crowley County Nursing Center (CCNC)

§ Status: Resolved

· Date illnesses were determined to be an outbreak: 11/25/2020

· Date outbreak was considered closed: 1/12/2021

· Total resident cases: 29

· Total staff cases: 43

· Total resident deaths: 7

o Ward Intermediate School

§ Status: Resolved

· Date illnesses were determined to be an outbreak: 11/12/2020

· Date outbreak was considered closed: 12/2/2020

· Total staff cases: 3

· Total attendee cases: 2

o Important Note: Facility outbreak numbers (i.e. prisoners and nursing home residents) are only updated by CDPHE once per week, on Wednesdays after 4:00pm. Total case numbers, on the other hand, are updated daily by CDPHE. This means that there could be facility cases reflected in the total case numbers that are not yet reflected in the facility numbers. And remember, total case numbers are cumulative, meaning they include all cases since the outbreak began. Yes, I know, it’s confusing. I have color-coded it to hopefully make it a bit clearer. Additionally, data is constantly moving and changing, and different websites/digital platforms take time to exchange and update their data, which does not make things any less confusing.

c. Otero County (numbers are cumulative)

ü Current Level: Blue (Caution)

o What are the level restrictions/guidelines: COVID-19 dial dashboard | Colorado COVID-19 Updates

ü Total Cases: 1,824

o Change from last Friday’s update: 27 cases added.

ü Community Cumulative Incidence Rates per 100,000 Population

o One week (for the time period 2/11/2021-2/17/2021 ): 109.40

§ Change from last week’s update: Increased by 60.17

o Two week (for the time period 2/4/2021-2/17/2021): 169.57

§ Change from last week’s update: Increased by 92.99

ü Total COVID Related Deaths: 61

o Change from last Friday’s update: 1

ü Facility Outbreaks

o Cottonwood Ridge Assisted Living

§ Status: Resolved

· Date illnesses were determined to be an outbreak: 11/27/2020

· Date outbreak was considered closed: 12/31/2020

· Total resident cases: 18

· Total staff cases: 10

· Total resident deaths: 1

o Evergreen Gardens Assisted Living

§ Status: Active

· Date illnesses were determined to be an outbreak: 11/27/2020

· Total resident cases: 3

· Total staff cases: 3

o Fowler Health Care

§ Status: Resolved

· Date illnesses were determined to be an outbreak: 11/30/2020

· Date outbreak was considered closed: 2/8/2021

· Total resident cases: 37

· Total staff cases: 46

o Inspiration Field-Prairieview Group Home

§ Status: Resolved

· Date illnesses were determined to be an outbreak: 12/21/2020

· Date outbreak was considered closed: 1/18/2021

· Total staff cases: 2

o Inspiration Field Business Office

§ Status: Resolved

· Date illnesses were determined to be an outbreak: 12/14/2020

· Date outbreak was considered closed: 1/11/2021

· Total staff cases: 7

o Inspiration Field-North 13th Group Home

§ Status: Resolved

· Date illnesses were determined to be an outbreak: 12/14/2020

· Date outbreak was considered closed: 1/11/2021

· Total resident cases: 2

· Total staff cases: 3

o Inspiration Field-South 2nd Group Home

§ Status: Resolved

· Date illnesses were determined to be an outbreak: 12/17/2020

· Date outbreak was considered closed: 1/14/2021

· Total resident cases: 1

· Total staff cases: 2

o Inspiration Field-South 6th Group Home

§ Status: Resolved

· Date illnesses were determined to be an outbreak: 12/10/2020

· Date outbreak was considered closed: 1/7/2021

· Total resident cases: 5

· Total staff cases: 7

o Learn Thru Play Children’s Kiddieland

§ Status: Resolved

· Date illnesses were determined to be an outbreak: 5/28/2020

· Date outbreak was considered closed: 7/28/2020

· Total staff cases: 1

· Total attendee cases: 1

o Lewis Bolt and Nut

§ Status: Resolved

· Date illnesses were determined to be an outbreak: 7/20/2020

· Date outbreak was considered closed: 10/27/2020

· Total staff cases: 14

o Otero Junior College

§ Status: Resolved

· Date illnesses were determined to be an outbreak: 11/2/2020

· Date outbreak was considered closed: 12/29/2020

· Total attendee cases: 24

o Otero Junior College LEA

§ Status: Resolved

· Date illnesses were determined to be an outbreak: 11/28/2020

· Date outbreak was considered closed: 1/6/2021

· Total attendee cases: 4

o Pioneer Healthcare Center

§ Status: Resolved

· Date illnesses were determined to be an outbreak: 7/13/2020

· Date outbreak was considered closed: 9/18/2020

· Total resident cases: 20

· Total staff cases: 14

· Total resident deaths: 5

§ Status: Resolved

· Date illnesses were determined to be an outbreak: 12/4/2020

· Date outbreak was considered closed: 1/23/2021

· Total resident cases: 29

· Total staff cases: 48

· Total resident deaths: 1

o Swink High School

§ Status: Resolved

· Date illnesses were determined to be an outbreak: 9/14/2020

· Date outbreak was considered closed: 10/19/2020

· Total staff cases: 1

· Total attendee cases: 7

§ Status: Resolved

· Date illnesses were determined to be an outbreak: 11/16/2020

· Date outbreak was considered closed: 1/8/2021

· Total staff cases: 6

· Total attendee cases: 5

o Valley Wide Health Systems-La Junta

§ Status: Active

· Date illnesses were determined to be an outbreak: 10/23/2020

· Total staff cases: 26

o Important Note: Facility outbreak numbers (i.e. nursing home residents) are only updated by CDPHE once per week, on Wednesdays after 4:00pm. Total case numbers, on the other hand, are updated daily by CDPHE. This means that there could be facility cases reflected in the total case numbers that are not yet reflected in the facility numbers. And remember, total case numbers are cumulative, meaning they include all cases since the outbreak began. Yes, I know, it’s confusing. I have color-coded it to hopefully make it a bit clearer. Additionally, data is constantly moving and changing, and different websites/digital platforms take time to exchange and update their data, which does not make things any less confusing.

d. Crowley/Otero COVID-19 Related Hospitalization(s): 1 new hospitalization since last Friday’s update.

e. State of Colorado (numbers are cumulative) (https://covid19.colorado.gov/data)

ü 417,415 cases

o Change from last Friday’s update: 7,732 cases added

ü 23,047 hospitalized

o Change from last Friday’s update: 392 hospitalizations added

ü 64 counties

o No change as this is the total number of counties in Colorado

ü 2,516,358 people tested

o Change from last Friday’s update: 38,042 additional tests

ü 5,684 deaths due to COVID-19

o Change from last Friday’s update: 116 deaths added