3/5/2021 Crowley/Otero COVID-19 Update #1: Weekly Update

Description: 3/5/2021 Crowley/Otero COVID-19 Update #1: Weekly Update...


Published: 03/05/2021
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 3/5/2021 at 12:13 pm.

PLEASE DISTRIBUTE THIS WIDELY

3/5/2021 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.

Howdy Y’All, I have some really great news about rates below.  So without further ado, let’s get to it:

  1. Up Front Key Message(s) from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE):  

ü  “If Colorado remains on the current trajectory, state-wide hospital demand and cases will continue to decline. It will be several months before hospital demand and infection prevalence reach levels comparable to last summer.”

ü  “In the coming months, transmission control measures will help prevent another surge in infections, hospitalizations, and deaths while vaccinations are distributed.”

  1. Current COVID-19 One-Week Cumulative Incidence Dial Status

ü  Crowley County:  For the one-week cumulative incidence rate per 100,000 population, Crowley currently has a rate of zero (for the time period 2/25/2021-3/3/2021), which is Green Level, this is GREAT news!  In the coming days we may be able to soon request a move to Green Level.  I want to make sure that we are established in Green Level first before moving.  We have only been in Green Level for 3 days.  Just to be clear, we are still in Blue Level.

ü  Otero County:  Otero County continues to remain numerically in Blue Level with a current rate of 49.23.  Otero has been in the Blue Level for 7 consecutive days, good job! This is the one week cumulative incidence rate per 100,000 population for the time period of 2/25/2021-3/3/2021.  For a one week period, the threshold between Blue Level and Yellow Level is 100. 

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

  1. Remain Vigilant, Do Not Become Complacent:  Dr. Eric France, CDPHE Chief Medical Officer, offered this prudent advice yesterday:  “There is hope on the horizon, and soon vaccines will be widely available to anyone who wants one. We need everyone to continue to adhere to public health protocols until then, and until we know more about the level of immunity the vaccine provides and for how long.  We have all the tools available to us to avoid a spring wave-- a growing supply of vaccines, public health orders that allow us to operate more safely, and protocols that protect us every day-- let’s use them.”  And please remember, it’s up to us. 
  1. Otero Junior College (OJC) Point Of Dispensing (POD) Assistance:  Our awesome partners at OJC are teaming with us to bring you a mass vaccination clinic.  The clinic will be held at the OJC Student Center on Thursday, 3/18/2021.  Eligible phases will be Phases 1A, 1B.1, 1B.2, & 1B.3.  More information will follow, so stay tuned. 
  1. Janssen (Johnson and Johnson) Vaccine Approval:  This week I received the following information from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE):  “Colorado expects to receive its first allotment of Janssen’s COVID-19 vaccine this week. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Janssen vaccine on Feb. 27. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) anticipates receiving an order of 45,500 Janssen vaccines by Friday, March 5. The state treats all orders as estimates until it receives the doses. The Janssen vaccine will be available to eligible Coloradans as soon as Friday at a number of community vaccination sites across the state.”  If you would like to read and learn more about this vaccine, I have attached CDPHE’s press release and/or go to this website:  Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Official Website
  1. Free Community Testing:  For the following dates/times in March 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

·         3/9/2021

§ Testing Hours:  9am-11am

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

§ Testing Dates

·         3/10/2021

§ 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

  1. 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

  1. 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/

  1. 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  Website:  COVID-19 vaccine | Colorado COVID-19 Updates

Ø  Phase 1A

o   Timeline:  Current

o   Eligibility requirements

§  People who have direct contact with COVID-19 patients for 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period.

§  Long-term care facility staff and residents.

Ø  Phase 1B.1

ü  Timeline:  Current

ü  Eligibility requirements

o   Coloradans 70 and older

o   Moderate risk health care workers

o   First responders.

Ø  Phase 1B.2

ü  Timeline:  Current

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:  Anticipated March 5th, 2021

ü  Eligibility requirements

o   People age 60 and older

o   Frontline essential workers in grocery and agriculture

o   People ages 16-59 with two or more high-risk conditions

Ø  Phase 1B.4

ü  Timeline:  Tentatively by the end of March 2021

ü  Eligibility requirements

o   People age 50 and older

o   Student-facing higher education employees

o   Frontline essential workers in food/restaurant services

o   Frontline essential workers in manufacturing

o   Frontline essential workers for the US postal service

o   Frontline essential workers in public transit and specialized transportation

o   Frontline essential workers in public health

o   Frontline essential human service workers

o   Faith leaders

o   Frontline essential direct care providers for Coloradans experiencing homelessness

o   Frontline essential journalists

o   Continuity of local government

o   Continuation of operations for state government

o   Adults who received a placebo during a COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial

o   People 16-49 with one of the high risk conditions listed on the website

Ø  Phase 2

ü  Timeline:  To be determined

ü  Eligibility requirements:  General public.

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

Ø  More detailed definitions for each of these classifications is available at: COVID-19 vaccine | Colorado COVID-19 Updates

Ø  Please note: As we move through phases, people in previous phases remain eligible.

b.      Phase 1.B.1, 1.B.2, & 1.B.3 Vaccination Registration:  Crowley and Otero residents that are eligible for Phases 1B.1, 1B.2 & 1.B.3 can register for OCHD vaccination clinics.  We will contact those registered on a “first registered, first served” basis as vaccine supply allows.  Here is the website to register:  ochdvaxnow.com 

c.       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.

d.      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). 

e.       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.

f.       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

g.      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. 

h.      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  County-Level Vaccination Data:  Vaccine data | 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  Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) Vaccine Information:  Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Official Website

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).

  1. 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)

  1. 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  Community (non-inmate) vaccination rate per 100,000 population:  25,616 

o   Change from last week’s update:  Increased by 1,790

ü  Total Cases:  2,052

o   Change from last Friday’s update:  91 cases added

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

ü  Community Cumulative Incidence Rates per 100,000 Population (does not include inmate population)

o   One week (for the time period 2/25/2021-3/3/2021):  Zero (please see #2 above)

§  Change from last week’s update:  Decreased by 66.31

o   Two week (for the time period 2/18/2021-3/3/2021):  66.31

§  Change from last week’s update:  Decreased by 116.05

§  Note:  For the two-week cumulative incidence rate per 100,000 population, Crowley just passed into Blue Level on 3/2/2021.  The last day Crowley was in Blue Level for this metric was on 2/9/2021.  Another piece of GREAT news!

ü  Total COVID Related Deaths:  14

o   Change from last Friday’s update:  0

ü  Facility Outbreaks

o   Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility (AVCF)

§  Status:  Resolved

·         Date reported to public health:  11/2/2020

·         Date outbreak was considered closed:  2/3/2021

·         Total inmate cases:  945

·         Total staff cases:  99

·         Total inmate deaths:  4

o   Crowley County Correctional Facility (CCCF)

§  Status:  Resolved

·         Date reported to public health:  5/2/2020

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

·         Total inmate cases:  66

·         Total staff cases:  4

§  Status:  Active

·         Date reported to public health:  10/16/2020

·         Total inmate cases:  688

·         Total staff cases:  33

·         Total inmate deaths:  1

o   Crowley County Nursing Center (CCNC)

§  Status:  Resolved

·         Date reported to public health:  12/1/2020

·         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 reported to public health:  11/23/2020

·         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  Vaccination rate per 100,000 population:  31,694 

o   Change from last week’s update:  Increased by 2,243

ü  Total Cases:  1,864

o   Change from last Friday’s update:  14 cases added.

ü  Community Cumulative Incidence Rates per 100,000 Population

o   One week (for the time period 2/25/2021-3/3/2021 ):  49.23

§  Change from last week’s update:  Decreased by 87.52

o   Two week (for the time period 2/18/2021-3/3/2021):  185.99

§  Change from last week’s update:  Decreased by 71.11

ü  Total COVID Related Deaths:  63

o   Change from last Friday’s update: 2

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 Athletics

§  Status:  Active

·         Date reported to public health:  2/16/2021

·         Total attendee cases:  19

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 reported to public health:  11/3/2020

·         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):  0 new hospitalizations since last Friday’s update.

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

ü  433,021 cases

o   Change from last Friday’s update:  8,344 cases added

ü  23,791 hospitalized

o   Change from last Friday’s update:  406 hospitalizations added

ü  64 counties

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

ü  2,597,695 people tested

o   Change from last Friday’s update:  39,260 additional tests

ü  5,960 deaths due to COVID-19

o   Change from last Friday’s update:  100 deaths added

ü  3,961 outbreaks (view outbreak data:  https://covid19.colorado.gov/outbreak-data)

o   Change from last Friday’s update:  91 outbreaks added

ü  COVID-19 Dial Dashboard:  https://covid19.colorado.gov/data/covid-19-dial/covid-19-dial-dashboard

f.       United States (numbers are cumulative)

ü  Total Cases:  28,580,198

o   Change from last Friday’s update:  441,260 cases added

ü  Total Deaths:  517,224

o   Change from last Friday’s update:  13,637 deaths added

ü  Data Source:  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

o   Website:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/cases-in-us.html 

g.      Global (numbers are cumulative)

ü  Confirmed Cases:  115,289,961

o   Change from last Friday’s update:  2,833,508 cases added

ü  Deaths:  2,564,560

o   Change from last Friday’s update:  67,046 deaths added                 

ü  Data Source:  Who Health Organization (WHO)

o   Website:  https://covid19.who.int/

  1. What can you do RIGHT NOW?

ü  Read, understand, and comply with public health orders!  Public health orders can be found here:  https://covid19.colorado.gov/prepare-protect-yourself/prevent-the-spread/public-health-executive-orders

ü  Prevent the spread of COVID-19: https://covid19.colorado.gov/prevention 

ü  Limit workplace violence:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/business-employers/limit-workplace-violence.html

ü  Use COVID-19 informational graphics:  https://covid19.colorado.gov/for-lphas-health-care-providers/communication-resources/social-media-graphics

ü  Stay home if you are sick and, if needed, call your medical provider.

ü  Wear an appropriate mask if you must go out for an essential activity.

ü  If you are in a high risk group, take extra precautions.

a.       CDPHE:  People at higher risk for severe illness | Colorado COVID-19 Updates

b.      CDC:  Do I need to Take Extra Precautions Against COVID-19 | CDC

ü  Cover your cough and/or sneeze.

ü  Keep your fingers and hands away from your face.

ü  Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

ü  Stay informed by trusted and reliable sources.  Be careful about believing what you read on social media sites.  Trusted sources/websites:

o   Otero County Health Department (OCHD):  https://www.oterogov.com

o   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):  https://www.cdc.gov

o   Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE):  https://covid19.colorado.gov/

ü  Do these things so you will be prepared, and not scared.

ü  And remember, “This too shall pass.”

Enjoy your weekend.

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

 


 Janssen vaccine expected to arrive in Colorado this week

REMOTE, (March 1, 2021): Colorado expects to receive its first allotment of Janssen’s COVID-19 vaccine this week. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Janssen vaccine on Feb. 27. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) anticipates receiving an order of 45,500 Janssen vaccines by Friday, March 5. The state treats all orders as estimates until it receives the doses. The Janssen vaccine will be available to eligible Coloradans as soon as Friday at a number of community vaccination sites across the state.  

“We are thrilled to be able to distribute a third safe and effective vaccine in the state of Colorado,” said Dr. Eric France, chief medical officer, Colorado Department Public Health Environment. “The authorization of the Janssen vaccine will make it easier for the state to reach its vaccination goals as more people become eligible in the weeks to come. When it’s your turn to get a vaccine -- whether it’s Moderna, Pfizer, or Janssen -- I hope you choose to get it. With every dose administered, we are all safer and closer to ending this crisis.”

The FDA’s authorization comes after a series of clinical trials showing that the Janssen vaccine is safe and effective. Unlike the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which each require two doses, the Janssen vaccine requires only one dose. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are both mRNA vaccines, while the Janssen vaccine is a modified adenovirus vaccine, which means it uses a different delivery system to train the immune system to fight COVID-19. Modified adenovirus DNA vaccines, like the Janssen vaccine, use a piece of double-stranded DNA to teach your body how to fight COVID-19. mRNA vaccines, like the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, use single-stranded mRNA. The goal of every vaccine is the same -- they just use a different strategy to achieve that goal.

None of the currently authorized vaccines is currently recommended over any other. All three vaccines are safe and work well to prevent moderate to severe COVID-19 disease.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, please visit CDPHE’s vaccine webpage.

Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.



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