3/12/2021 Crowley/Otero COVID-19 Update #1: Weekly Update

Description: 3/12/2021 Crowley/Otero COVID-19 Update #1: Weekly Update.


Published: 03/12/2021
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 3/12/2021 at 11:44 am.

 

PLEASE DISTRIBUTE THIS WIDELY

 

3/12/2021 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:

 

  1. Current COVID-19 Dial Status

ü  Crowley County:  For both the one-week (3/3/2021-3/9/2021) & two-week (2/24/2021-3/9/2021) cumulative incidence rates per 100,000 population, Crowley currently has a community (non-inmate) rate of zero, which is numerically Green Level!!!  This is OUTSTANDING!!!  Crowley has numerically maintained Green Level for 9 consecutive days (3/1/2021-3/9/2021) for the one week cumulative incidence rate, and for the two week cumulative incidence rate has numerically maintained Green Level for 2 consecutive days ( 3/8/2021-3/9/2021).  I have started the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) application process for Green Level, Protect Our Neighbors (PON).  PON is the least restrictive phase on the COVID-19 Dial.  I will keep you apprised of how it goes, so stay tuned. 

o   What does this mean:

§  Crowley County HAS NOT officially moved to Green Level yet; &

§  Crowley County is still officially in Blue Level.

ü  Otero County

o   One-week (3/4/2021-3/10/2021) cumulative incidence rate per 100,000 population:  Otero County has numerically been in Blue Level for 14 consecutive days (2/25/2021-3/10/2021).  Additionally, we are getting very close to numerically entering Green Level, Protect Our Neighbors (PON).  The current rate is 21.88, and the Green Level threshold is 15.  If we have no COVID-19 cases added during the next couple of days, then Otero will numerically cross the Green Level threshold on Sunday afternoon.  Please remember, this does not mean that Otero will automatically enter Green Level.  We have to first establish ourselves in Green Level, after which I will submit an application to CDPHE for Green Level/PON status. 

o   Two-week (2/25/2021-3/10/2021) cumulative incidence rate per 100,000 population:  More good news, Otero numerically entered Blue level on 3/10/2021!  Our two-week rate has seen a steady decline over the past several days, and it is currently at 71.11. 

ü  COVID-19 Dial Level Determinants and Level 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. A Long Road:  Yes, it has been quite a long, difficult, challenging, worrisome, exasperating road the past year.  Wow, a year.  That’s hard to believe.  One year ago yesterday, on 3/11/2020, I sent out a community update regarding a train traveler that came through La Junta and later tested positive for COVID-19.  Oh yes, I remember that event very well.  The action started at approximately 5:30 pm the previous evening and the situation became really interesting, really fast.  This was our first major COVID-19 contact tracing experience and, as the saying goes, the rest was history.  Sadly, during this time we have had 77 COVID-19 related deaths in Crowley and Otero Counties.  As we reflect on where we have been, certainly our hearts go out to those that have lost loved ones to this deadly virus.  We are so sorry for your loss.  And for some of those that have survived COVID-19 infection, the road to recovery has been a most long and arduous journey.  For those still struggling, we wish you a full recovery.  Now, one year later, we are fully engaged in a vaccination program to build community (herd) immunity against this contagion.  Yes, there is light at the end of the tunnel, but we still have to “keep on trucking” because we are not there yet.  But we will get there, together.  It’s up to us. 

 

  1. Free Community Testing:  At this time, I am not sure what the testing schedule for next week will be, so stay tuned for more information as it develops. 

 

  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:  Current

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. COVID-19 Tests

c.       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)

d.      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  Approximate community (non-inmate) vaccination rate per 100,000 population:  28,756

o   Change from last week’s update:  Increased by 3,140

ü  Total Cases:  2,073 

o   Change from last Friday’s update:  21 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 3/3/2021-3/9/2021):  0.0

§  Change from last week’s update:  None

o   Two week (for the time period 2/24/2021-3/9/2021):  0.0

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

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

§  Status:  Active

·         Date reported to public health:  2/25/2021

·         Total inmate cases:  8

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:  788

·         Total staff cases:  41

·         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:  35,277

o   Change from last week’s update:  Increased by 3,583

ü  Total Cases:  1,870

o   Change from last Friday’s update:  6 cases added.

ü  Community Cumulative Incidence Rates per 100,000 Population

o   One week (for the time period 3/4/2021-3/10/2021):  21.88

§  Change from last week’s update:  Decreased by 27.35

o   Two week (for the time period 2/25/2021-3/10/2021):  71.11 

§  Change from last week’s update:  Decreased by 114.88

ü  Total COVID Related Deaths:  63

o   Change from last Friday’s update: 0

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:  Resolved

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

·         Date outbreak was considered closed:  12/22/2020

·         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:  Resolved

·         Date reported to public health:  11/3/2020

·         Date outbreak was considered closed:  1/19/2021

·         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 hospitalization since last Friday’s update.

 

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

ü  440,220 cases

o   Change from last Friday’s update:  7,199 cases added

ü  24,073 hospitalized

o   Change from last Friday’s update:  282 hospitalizations added

ü  64 counties

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

ü  2,633,031 people tested

o   Change from last Friday’s update:  35,336 additional tests

ü  6,056 deaths due to COVID-19

o   Change from last Friday’s update:  96 deaths added

ü  4,057 outbreaks (view outbreak data:  https://covid19.colorado.gov/outbreak-data)

o   Change from last Friday’s update:  96 outbreaks added

 

f.       United States (numbers are cumulative)

ü  Total Cases:  29,052,862 

o   Change from last Friday’s update:  472,664 cases added

ü  Total Deaths:  527,726 

o   Change from last Friday’s update:  10,502 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:  118,058,503

o   Change from last Friday’s update:  2,768,542 cases added

ü  Deaths:  2,621,046

o   Change from last Friday’s update:  56,486 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.”

 

The Canadian musician, singer/songwriter Gordon Lightfoot sings of the “Early Morning Rain”.  We are supposed to get some of that tomorrow, so stay warm and dry.

 

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



Follow SECO News on Facebook.
Subscribe to the SECO News YouTube Channel.



Press releases Sponsor



Healthcare Sponsor