3/19/2021 Crowley/Otero COVID-19 Update 1: Weekly Update
Description: Crowley/Otero Staff works to check people in to receive COVID-19 Vaccinations during a clinic held at the Otero Junior College Student Center Ball Room.
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 3/19/2021 at 11:47 am.
PLEASE DISTRIBUTE THIS WIDELY
3/19/2021 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.
Happy Friday to all. Please find this week’s COVID-19 updates below:
- Current COVID-19 Dial Status
ü Crowley County: On Wednesday, 3/17/2021 Crowley County officially moved to Green Level, Protect Our Neighbors (PON), congrats on this great achievement! Check out the attachment, it is nice to see that green spot on the Colorado map! For the assessment period of 3/3/2021-3/16/2021, Crowley is achieving all 8 Green Level/PON metrics.
ü Otero County: After my data review this morning I found that Otero County is now ready to submit a Protect Our Neighbors/Green Level application to CDPHE!!! I have generated and sent the attestation/application letter to the local signatories, and CDPHE has already validated the data. A BIG THANKS to Elle Child of CDPHE for the lightning-fast response! I will submit the attestation/application letter to CDPHE after I get all of the local signatures. Way to go Otero!!! It’s not official yet, so we are still in Blue Level. Below are the specific disease incidence metric criteria and data that currently qualify us for PON:
§ One week (3/11/21-3/17/21) average test positivity rate less than 5%: Yes, 0.71%
§ AND
§ Minimum testing rate of 0.75/1,000 people: Yes, 7.17 on 3/17/21; 7 day moving average of 3.32 recorded on 3/17/2021
§ AND
§ Less than/equal to 50 cases/100K in past week: Yes, 27.35
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: Vaccine data | 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: Find out when you're eligible for a 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 24 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/
- Free Community Testing: For next week, 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 Date: 3/23/2021
§ Testing Hours: 9am-11am
ü Testing Location: Otero Junior College (OJC), 1619 San Juan Ave, La Junta, CO 81050
§ Testing Date: 3/24/2021
§ Testing Hours: 10am-3pm
- 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.
e. Manzanola: https://www.manzanola.k12.co.
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 Website: Find out when you're eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine | Colorado COVID-19 Updates
Ø Phase 1A
o Timeline: Currently vaccinating
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: Currently vaccinating
ü Eligibility requirements
o Coloradans 70 and older
o Moderate risk health care workers
o First responders.
Ø Phase 1B.2
ü Timeline: Currently vaccinating
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: Currently vaccinating
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: Currently vaccinating
ü Eligibility requirements
o People age 50 and older
o Frontline workers
o People with high risk conditions
o Continuity of operations for state government
o Continuity of operations for local government
o A much more detailed list for Phase 1B.4 can be found here: Find out when you're eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine | Colorado COVID-19 Updates
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 phases is available at: Find out when you're eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine | Colorado COVID-19 Updates
Ø Please note: As we move through phases, people in previous phases remain eligible.
b. Phase 1B.1, 1B.2, 1B.3, & 1B.4 Vaccination Registration: Crowley and Otero residents that are eligible for Phases 1B.1, 1B.2, 1B.3, & 1B.4 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 (including county-level 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: Find out when you're eligible for a 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 Currently approved vaccine side-by-side comparisons: https://astho.org/COVID-19/
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/
b. Crowley County (numbers are cumulative)
ü Current Level: Green/Protect Our Neighbors (PON)
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: 32,130
o Change from last week’s update: Increased by 3,374
ü Total Cases: 2,103
o Change from last Friday’s update: 30 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 3/10/2021-3/16/2021): 16.58
§ Change from last week’s update: Increased by 16.58
o Two week (for the time period 3/3/2021-3/16/2021): 16.58
§ Change from last week’s update: Increased by 16.58
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: 39,774
o Change from last week’s update: Increased by 4,497
ü Total Cases: 1,874
o Change from last Friday’s update: 4 cases added.
ü Community Cumulative Incidence Rates per 100,000 Population
o One week (for the time period 3/11/2021-3/17/2021): 27.35
§ Change from last week’s update: Increased by 5.47
o Two week (for the time period 3/4/2021-3/17/2021): 43.76
§ Change from last week’s update: Decreased by 27.35
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/
ü 446,580 cases
o Change from last Friday’s update: 6,360 cases added
ü 24,289 hospitalized
o Change from last Friday’s update: 216 hospitalizations added
ü 64 counties
o No change as this is the total number of counties in Colorado
ü 2,662,341 people tested
o Change from last Friday’s update: 29,310 additional tests
ü 6,142 deaths due to COVID-19
o Change from last Friday’s update: 86 deaths added
ü 4,137 outbreaks (view outbreak data: https://covid19.colorado.gov/
o Change from last Friday’s update: 80 outbreaks added
f. United States (numbers are cumulative)
ü Total Cases: 29,490,832
o Change from last Friday’s update: 437,970 cases added
ü Total Deaths: 536,734
o Change from last Friday’s update: 9,008 deaths added
ü Data Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
o Website: https://www.cdc.gov/
g. Global (numbers are cumulative)
ü Confirmed Cases: 121,464,666
o Change from last Friday’s update: 3,406,163 cases added
ü Deaths: 2,684,093
o Change from last Friday’s update: 63,047 deaths added
ü Data Source: Who Health Organization (WHO)
o Website: https://covid19.who.int/
- 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/
ü Prevent the spread of COVID-19: https://covid19.colorado.gov/
ü Limit workplace violence: https://www.cdc.gov/
ü Use COVID-19 informational graphics: https://covid19.colorado.gov/
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.”
We are making GREAT progress in both Crowley and Otero Counties, so please continue to do your very best to abide by the current level restrictions so that we can move forward and out of this pandemic sooner than later. 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)
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