8/23/2021 Crowley/Otero COVID-19 Update #1: Rate Update, Pfizer Vaccine Full FDA Approval, Prevention Reminders

Description: 8/23/2021 Crowley/Otero COVID-19 Update #1: Rate Update, Pfizer Vaccine Full FDA Approval, Prevention Reminders...

Published: 08/23/2021

Byline: Hart

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 Monday 8/23/2021 at 4:50 p.m.

PLEASE DISTRIBUTE THIS WIDELY

8/23/2021 Crowley/Otero COVID-19 Update #1: Rate Update, Pfizer Vaccine Full FDA Approval, 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.

Rate Update: Crowley County continues to maintain Green Level status, while Otero County has very recently transitioned into Blue Level. For the data period 8/16/2021-8/22/2021, Crowley’s one week cumulative incidence rate is 16.6, and Otero’s is 43.8. Crowley is 1 of only 3 counties (out of 64 counties) currently listed in Green Level (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+

Pfizer Vaccine Full FDA Approval: According to information released today from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment “Today, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave full approval to Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine for eligible people aged 16 and up. While it’s the first to receive this designation, all available COVID-19 vaccines have been proven safe, effective, and authorized for emergency use. The state remains focused on vaccinating as many eligible Coloradans as possible.” I have attached the press release.

Prevention Reminders

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 need to isolate (because you have tested positive and/or are symptomatic) or quarantine (because you have been exposed but are not symptomatic), here is the guidance: Isolation & quarantine | Colorado COVID-19 Updates

o According to CDPHE (How to quarantine | Colorado COVID-19 Updates): If you’re fully vaccinated, you don’t need to quarantine after being exposed to someone with COVID-19. However, we recommend that you get a COVID-19 test three to five days after exposure and wear a mask in public for 14 days after exposure or until you have a negative test result. These precautions will help protect the people around you in the rare case of a breakthrough infection. If you develop any symptoms of COVID-19 in the 14 days after exposure, you should get tested, even if you have a previous negative test.

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)