9/6/2021 Crowley/Otero COVID-19 Update #1: Rate Status Update, Least Restrictive Mean/Alternative
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Description: The situations, numbers, website links, data, and etc. described below were current as of Monday, 9/6/2021 at 11:35 a.m.
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, 9/6/2021 at 11:35 a.m.
PLEASE DISTRIBUTE THIS WIDELY
9/6/2021 Crowley/Otero COVID-19 Update #1: Rate Status Update, Least Restrictive Mean/Alternative, Typo Correction, Public Health Recommendations/Requirements
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.
1. Current Crowley/Otero COVID-19 Rate Status
ü One Week Cumulative Incidence Rate (per 100,000) Ranges
§ Green Level: 0-35
§ Blue Level: 36-100
§ Yellow Level: 101-300
§ Orange Level: 301-500
§ Red Level: 501+
ü COVID-19 Dashboard: COVID-19 dial dashboard | Colorado COVID-19 Updates
§ Important Note: As of the time of this writing, the rates I give below do not match the rates on the website link above. This is because the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has not yet updated that public-facing website. The information I give below is the most currently available.
ü Crowley County: Our rate in Crowley has us in Yellow Level with a 1 week cumulative incidence rate of 182.36 (for the data period 8/29/2021-9/4/2021). Through and including 9/4/2021, Crowley currently has a 7-day average of 1.571 cases. This can be compared to our last surge which had a peak 7-day average of 2.714 cases on 5/3/2021. This can also be compared to our largest pre-vaccination surge which had a peak 7-day average of 8.714 cases on 12/3/2020. When the data becomes available to me on Tuesday, 9/7/2021, I will confirm whether or not the Crowley data excludes inmates.
ü Otero County: Our rate in Otero has us in Yellow Level with a current 1 week cumulative incidence rate of 235.22 (for the data period of 8/29/2021-9/4/2021). Through and including 9/4/2021, Otero currently has a 7-day average of 6.14 cases. This can be compared to our last surge which had a peak 7-day average of 6.29 cases on 5/3/2021. This can also be compared to our largest pre-vaccination surge which had a peak 7-day average of 55.71 cases on 12/3/2020.
I had previously anticipated a surge in cases around this time, because of schools being back in session and the fairs (both local and state). I did not know, however, what the magnitude of the surge might be. Because of this, I previously gave a heads up about potential local Public Health Orders (PHOs) that might be necessary so it would not come as a surprise if the situation arose. At this point in time, based on the most current data available, local PHOs are not warranted. PLEASE help keep it this way by doing your part to get and keep our rates down. It’s up to us.
2. Least Restrictive Means/Alternative: In a recent community update, I mentioned the Least Restrictive Method/Alternative, but I did not explain it. At times, in order to protect the public’s health, we have to control people and property (Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) 25-1-506(3)(b)(V, VI, & VII). When doing this, we carefully consider and ensure the legal concept of Least Restrictive Means/Alternative. What this means is that we will use the least restrictive method in order to achieve the desired results. Let me give you an actual local example of this from the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, OCHD had to quarantine a direct contact of a positive case. The quarantined person was observed outside in their own yard, alone. I received calls asking me to order the person to stay inside their home. I refused, because the quarantined person posed no identifiable risk to the public if they were alone, outside in their own yard (and sunshine and fresh air is a good thing). In general, here is the flow of some typical public Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions, or NPIs, from the least restrictive to the most restrictive:
a. Recommended NPIs, not required, NPIs. Since they are recommendations, and not requirements, a person can make a less restrictive choice, even though a more restrictive course is recommended;
Which is less restrictive than…
b. Mask Public Health Orders (PHO);
Which is less restrictive than…
c. School/Business social distancing, capacity requirements;
Which is less restrictive than…
d. School/business closures;
Which is less restrictive than…
e. Stay at home PHOs;
I did not mention quarantine and isolation because these are typically directed at specific individuals, and not the general public. However, the Least Restrictive Means/Alternatives applies to quarantine and isolation. Instead of incarcerating isolated or quarantined individuals, they isolate/quarantine at home, which is MUCH less restrictive than incarceration, and still produces the desired result of protecting the public’s health.
3. Typo Correction: In my update from yesterday (Sunday, 9/5/2021), in # 2, the word carbon “monoxide” should have read “carbon “dioxide”. One oxygen atom makes a HUGE difference!
4. OCHD Public Health Recommendations
ü Seriously consider getting fully vaccinated if you have not already done so.
ü If you are unvaccinated/not fully vaccinated, wear a mask when in public.
ü Wear an appropriate mask when required to do so, even if you are fully vaccinated.
ü Review and follow the prevention guidelines found here: Prevent the spread of COVID-19 | Colorado COVID-19 Updates
ü Perform a symptom check on yourself and your children before going out in public (i.e. work, school, the store, etc.)
a. COVID-19 symptoms: Do you have symptoms? | Colorado COVID-19 Updates
b. Stay home if you are sick and, if needed, call your medical provider.
c. Parents/guardians, do not send your kids to school if they are sick.
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
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
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Requirements
ü Sixth (6th) Amended Public Health Order (PHO) 20-38 regarding face coverings, school case reporting, hospital reporting, etc. can be found online here: (6th AMENDED PHO 20-38.83121.pdf - Google Drive)
ü Residential Care Facility (RCF) Comprehensive Mitigation Guidance can be found here: RCF Comprehensive Mitigation Guidance.pdf - Google Drive)
ü Colorado State Board of Health hospital and health care facilities COVID-19 vaccination requirements can be found online here: 6 CCR 1011-1, Chapter 2 - Emergency Rulemaking Adopted Rules.pdf - Google Drive and here: The Health Facilities Community Blog: Board of Health approves vaccine requirement for staff at health care facilities and hospitals
- 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)
Adversus solem ne loquitor
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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