THIS IS A 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 8/6/2021 at 5:01 p.m.

PLEASE DISTRIBUTE THIS WIDELY

8/6/2021 Crowley/Otero COVID-19 Update #1:  Rate Update, Prevention Reminders

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.

A quick update before we move into the weekend.  As of the time of this wring, both Crowley and Otero Counties continue to occupy low one-week cumulative incidence rate status levels.  Crowley is still in Green Level with a current rate of 16.6 and Otero is in Blue Level with a current rate of 38.3, slightly above the Green Level threshold of 35.

You can check out rates here:  COVID-19 dial dashboard | Colorado COVID-19 Updates

Please, let’s all work together to keep our rates low.  Crowley County School District, in a recent document, said it best:  “Our successful return to ‘Normal’ depends on EVERYONE doing their part to follow current guidelines and practices-Parents, Students, Staff, and Community-to the best of their abilities every day!”  Well put and very true, it is up to us.  Below are some reminders that will help us all follow Crowley County School District’s prudent advice: 

ü  Please seriously consider getting vaccinated if you have not already done so.  Please.

ü  If you are not vaccinated, please wear a mask whenever in public, even if it is not required.  Please.

ü  Current Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) requirements: 

o   Under the 5th Amended Public Health Order (PHO) 20-38 (FIFTH AMENDED PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER 20-38_JHRsig.pdf - Google Drive), face coverings are required for unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated patients, residents, and visitors, and medical grade face masks are required for unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated staff in the following settings that serve vulnerable or at-risk populations:

§  Homeless shelters;

§  Prisons;

§  Jails; and

§  Emergency medical and other healthcare settings (including hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, urgent care centers, clinics, doctors’ offices, and non-urgent care medical structures).

o   Under the Residential Care Facility (RCF) Comprehensive Mitigation Guidance (RCF Comprehensive Mitigation Guidance.pdf - Google Drive), universal mask use for health care personnel, visitors, and residents in Residential Care Facilities is currently required regardless of vaccination status.  I have attached a recent CDPHE press release regarding this. 

§  A residential care facility is defined as “skilled nursing facilities, assisted living residences, intermediate care facilities, and group homes. This does not include non-residential settings such as Adult Day Services.”

ü  Federal public transportation mask requirement:  Masking on school buses and other public transportation is required by Federal Order (Order: Wearing of face masks while on conveyances and at transportation hubs | Quarantine | CDC)

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

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

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

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

o   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.

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