Otero/Crowley County Health Department Weekly Covid Update Feb 5th, 2021
Description: Includes Vaccination Info...Testing Info...Public School Links...Summaries...and even a Highlander Quote...
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 2/5/2021 at 11:36 am.
PLEASE DISTRIBUTE THIS WIDELY
2/5/2021 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.
Hello to all, here are this week’s COVID-19 updates for you:
- 2/3/2021 & 2/4/2021 OCHD Booster Shot Clinics: For those folks that received their first COVID-19 vaccination on Wednesday, 1/6/2021, OCHD hosted a COVID-19 booster shot clinic for them on Wednesday, 2/3/2021 and Thursday, 2/4/2021 in Rocky Ford at the Public Safety Building. We were able to provide approximately 350 booster shots during these 2 days. A BIG thanks to OCHD staff, volunteers, and Chief Ray Gonzales for letting us use the Rocky Ford Public Safety Building yet again!
- Crowley County Yellow Level Move: Crowley County officially moved to the Yellow Level on Monday, 2/1/2021, GREAT JOB CROWLEY COUNTY!!! Crowley has made tremendous progress getting that rate down. Crowley’s current 2 week community cumulative incidence rate per 100,000 population (for the time period 1/21/2021-2/3/2021) is 66.31. This is significantly down from the peak rate of 961.56 recorded on 12/15/2020. This rate reduction IS NOT by accident, but by actions on your part. And now, the communities in Crowley County are directly benefiting from less sickness and reduced restrictions thanks to those actions.
- Otero County Level Yellow Monitoring: On Monday, 2/1/2021 I sent an email to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) asking them to begin monitoring Otero County for a potential move to Yellow Level. On Saturday afternoon, 1/30/2021 Otero County crossed the Level Yellow threshold with a 2 week cumulative incidence rate of 158.63, and that rate continues to trend downward! Today (Friday, 2/5/2021) marks the 6th consecutive day Otero has numerically been in the Yellow Level, the rate has not increased during this time period and is currently at 131.28 (for the time period 1/21/2021-2/3/2021) . This is significantly down from the peak rate of 3,791.17 recorded on 12/11/2020. Make no mistake, this rate reduction IS NOT by accident, but by actions on your part, so keep up the great work Otero! PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NOT A MOVEMENT TO YELLOW LEVEL, BUT A REQUEST TO MONITOR A FOR POSSIBLE MOVE. OTERO COUNTY IS STILL UNDER ORANGE LEVEL RESTRICTIONS, SO PLEASE ABIDE ACCORDINGLY SO WE CAN MAKE IT TO YELLOW LEVEL SOONER THAN LATER.
- Free Community Testing: At the time of this writing, we are awaiting information from CDPHE on next week’s testing schedule, so stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.
- Important Reminders!
ü Your actions are making a difference! They are leading to reduced rates, which will lessen restrictions for individuals, families, schools, and businesses.
ü The pandemic is NOT over, we still have work to do, so please keep up the good work!
ü Our rates are reducing because you are doing your part. Please continue doing your part by following Public Health Orders (https://covid19.colorado.gov/
- Crowley/Otero Five (5) Star State Certification Program: The local 5 Star Certification Administrative Committee met on Monday evening, 2/1/2021 to finalize plans for our application submission to CDPHE. We have requested support letters from Crowley/Otero organizations. 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 Phase 1B.1
ü Timeline: Current, where we are right now
ü Eligibility requirements
o Coloradans 70 and older
o Moderate risk health care workers
o First responders.
Ø Phase 1B.2
ü Timeline: Those in this phase should be eligible to begin receiving the vaccine on 2/8/2021
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: It is estimated that by early March (March 5), everyone in Phase 1B.3 will be eligible to receive the vaccine.
ü Eligibility requirements
o Frontline essential workers
§ Food and agriculture, manufacturing, U.S. postal service, public transit and specialized transportation staff, grocery, food service, faith leaders, public health, frontline essential human services, faith leaders, direct care providers for Coloradans experiencing homelessness, and essential frontline journalists.
o Coloradans ages 16-64 with two or more high-risk conditions
§ Coloradans with cancer (defined as patients who are currently receiving treatment or have received treatment within the last month for cancer), chronic kidney disease, COPD, diabetes mellitus, Down syndrome, specific heart conditions, obesity, pregnancy, sickle cell disease, solid organ transplant, people with disabilities that prevent them from wearing masks.
Ø For vaccination phase information in Spanish, please go to this website: SPA phase distribution
b. Phase 1B.1 & Phase 1B.2 Vaccination Registration: Crowley and Otero residents that are eligible for Phase 1B.1 and Phase 1B.2 can register for OCHD vaccination clinics. If you are not sure if you are eligible for these phases, just look up at the preceding section. We will contact those registered on a “first registered, first served” basis as vaccine supply allows. Get on the list now, the website is up and running! Here is the website to register: ochdvaxnow.com
ü SPECIAL NOTE for PreK-12 educators and school staff, and child care workers in licensed programs: Working with your administration, we already have you registered and scheduled for vaccinations next week. Because of this, please do not register on the website listed above, you are already registered.
c. Phase 1B.3 Vaccination Registration: Check out the eligibility requirements for this phase above, and if you meet them you can register now for upcoming OCHD vaccination clinics. If you had previously registered your employees on our website, you are still on the list, no need to register again. We are just changing the name to be consistent with CDPHE. Please note, per CDPHE guidance, we are currently focusing on Phase 1B.1 & on 1B.2 (starting Monday, 2/8/2021). It is anticipated that we will begin Phase 1B.3 vaccinations in early March. We will contact those registered on a “first registered, first served” basis as vaccine supply allows. However, you can get on the list now, the website is up and running! Here is the website to register: phase1b3.ochdvaxnow.com
d. 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.
e. 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).
f. Vaccinations Through Medical Providers: OCHD is actively working to get vaccine out to our Crowley/Otero medical providers that have previously signed up to administer COVD-19 vaccinations. 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.
g. Booster Shots: 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.
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: COVID-19 vaccine | 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: COVID-19 vaccine | Colorado COVID-19 Updates
ü Moderna Vaccine Fact Sheet: Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine EUA Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers (fda.gov)
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: Yellow (Concern)
o Special note on levels: 12/30/2020 CDPHE released the following information: “the governor announced that he is directing CDPHE to move all counties in the Red level on the Dial to the Orange level, effective on Monday, January 4. He is making this move in response to a 13 day downward trend in cases statewide, and a plea from counties that are suffering economically.”
o What are the level restrictions/guidelines: COVID-19 dial dashboard | Colorado COVID-19 Updates
ü Total Cases: 1,818
o Change from last Friday’s update: 52 cases added
§ These numbers include inmates and nursing home residents (please see Facility Outbreaks below).
ü Non-Congregate Care Facility (does not include inmates and nursing home residents) Two-Week Cumulative Incidence Rate per 100,000 Population (for the period 1/14/2021-1/27/2021): 66.31
o Change from last week’s update: Increased by 33.15
ü Total COVID Related Deaths: 14
o Change from last Friday’s update: 0
ü Facility Outbreaks
o Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility (AVCF)
§ Status: Active
· Date illnesses were determined to be an outbreak: 10/29/2020
· Total inmate cases: 948
· Total staff cases: 54
· Total inmate deaths: 4
o Crowley County Correctional Facility (CCCF)
§ Status: Resolved
· Date illnesses were determined to be an outbreak: 5/2/2020
· Date outbreak was considered closed: 7/20/2020
· Total inmate cases: 66
· Total staff cases: 4
§ Status: Active
· Date illnesses were determined to be an outbreak: 11/2/2020
· Total inmate cases: 569
· Total staff cases: 33
· Total inmate deaths: 1
o Crowley County Nursing Center (CCNC)
§ Status: Resolved
· Date illnesses were determined to be an outbreak: 11/25/2020
· 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 illnesses were determined to be an outbreak: 11/12/2020
· 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: Orange (High risk)
o Special note on levels: 12/30/2020 CDPHE released the following information: “the governor announced that he is directing CDPHE to move all counties in the Red level on the Dial to the Orange level, effective on Monday, January 4. He is making this move in response to a 13 day downward trend in cases statewide, and a plea from counties that are suffering economically.”
o What are the level restrictions/guidelines: COVID-19 dial dashboard | Colorado COVID-19 Updates
ü Total Cases: 1,790
o Change from last Friday’s update: 4 cases added.
ü Two-Week Cumulative Incidence Rate per 100,000 Population: 131.28
o Change from last week’s update: Decreased by 82.06
ü Total COVID Related Deaths: 60
o Change from last Friday’s update: 1
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 Fowler Health Care
§ Status: Active
· Date illnesses were determined to be an outbreak: 11/30/2020
· 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 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
§ Status: Active
· Date illnesses were determined to be an outbreak: 10/23/2020
· 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): 1 new hospitalization since last Friday’s update.
e. State of Colorado (numbers are cumulative) (https://covid19.colorado.gov/
ü 400,851 cases
o Change from last Friday’s update: 9,152 cases added
ü 22,176 hospitalized
o Change from last Friday’s update: 463 hospitalizations added
ü 64 counties
o No change as this is the total number of counties in Colorado
ü 2,427,143 people tested
o Change from last Friday’s update: 51,367 additional tests
ü 5,431 deaths due to COVID-19
o Change from last Friday’s update: 539 deaths added
ü 3,599 outbreaks (view outbreak data: https://covid19.colorado.gov/
o Change from last Friday’s update: 116 outbreaks added
ü COVID-19 Dial Dashboard: https://covid19.colorado.gov/
f. United States (numbers are cumulative)
ü Total Cases: 26,398,337
o Change from last Friday’s update: 941,667 cases added
ü Total Deaths: 449,020
o Change from last Friday’s update: 21,394 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: 104,165,066
o Change from last Friday’s update: 3,345,703 cases added
ü Deaths: 2,265,354
o Change from last Friday’s update: 89,195 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.”
This weekend is Super Bowl Sunday. I know who I am rooting for, and it was very evident this morning the team that Mr. Aaron Olivieri favors! But, borrowing words from the Highlander movie, “There can be only one” Super Bowl champion.
Enjoy your weekend (regardless of who wins).
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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