8/13/2021 Crowley/Otero COVID-19 Update #1: Both Counties Green, Prevention Reminders

Description: 8/13/2021 Crowley/Otero COVID-19 Update #1: Both Counties Green, Prevention Reminders

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 8/13/2021 at 8:31 a.m.

PLEASE DISTRIBUTE THIS WIDELY

8/13/2021 Crowley/Otero COVID-19 Update #1:  Both Counties Green, 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.

I am very pleased to report that, as of the time of this wring, Crowley and Otero Counties are both in Green Level.  The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has apparently done some data cleaning (which I appreciate very much), and it now appears that Crowley has not entered Blue Level as I reported yesterday, but still remains in Green Level.  I verified this with our Regional Epidemiologist yesterday afternoon using the Colorado Electronic Disease Reporting System (CEDRS). 

So, as of the time of this writing and for the data period 8/5/2021-8/11/2021, Crowley’s one week cumulative incidence rate is 33.2, and Otero’s is 21.9.  Crowley and Otero are 2 of only 5 counties (out of 64 counties) currently in Green Level, check it out:  COVID-19 dial dashboard | Colorado COVID-19 Updates

Here are the rates and corresponding levels for one week cumulative incidence per 100,000 population:

ü  Green Level:  0-35

ü  Blue Level:  36-100

ü  Yellow Level:  101-300

ü  Orange Level:  301-500

ü  Red Level:  501+

Here are some things that will help to keep us in the Green: 

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.

A most sincere “Thank You” to all of you doing your part for the public’s health.  It’s 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)

rritter@oterogov.org

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