Otero/Crowley County Health Department Weekly Covid Update Feb 12, 2021
Description: Otero/Crowley County Health Department Weekly Covid Update Feb 12, 2021.
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 2/12/2021 at 11:36 am.
PLEASE DISTRIBUTE THIS WIDELY
2/12/2021 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.
Happy Friday! Please find below some info on COVID-19:
1. School Staff and Childcare Worker Vaccinations: This week on Monday, 2/8/2012 Colorado opened vaccination Phase 1B.2, which allows vaccinations for PreK-12 educators, school staff, and child care workers in licensed programs. I am very pleased to report that at the end of today (Friday, 2/12/2021) we and our partners will have been to the majority of the schools and licensed childcare facilities in Crowley and Otero Counties to offer COVID-19 vaccinations. A HUGE shout out and thanks to our partners who worked with us to help give vaccinations: Harris Pharmacy, Ordway Health Mart Pharmacy, Safeway Pharmacy, & Valley Wide Health Systems.
2. Pfizer Vaccine: This week OCHD received an allotment of Pfizer vaccine from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) which we will be using for vaccinations. Up to this point we have been receiving only Moderna vaccine. OCHD does not get to choose which vaccine we receive, and we have absolutely no hesitancy in using either Pfizer or Moderna. The Pfizer vaccine requires ultra-cold refrigeration, and OCHD has an appropriate ultra-cold freezer that maintains this vaccine at the proper temperature. Additionally, we have a digital temperature logger attached to it to ensure that the vaccine stays at the proper temperature. It is critically important that we use what we receive, and both of these vaccines are authorized and recommended for use.
ü If you would like to learn more about the Pfizer vaccine, please visit this website: Coronavirus COVID-19 Vaccine Update: Latest Developments | Pfizer
ü Here is where you can get information on the Moderna vaccine: Moderna’s Fully Enrolled Phase 3 COVE Study of mRNA-1273 | Moderna, Inc. (modernatx.com)
ü If you have any further questions, please contact Dee Leyba during normal business hours at 719-241-4741
3. Valentine’s Day 2021: CDPHE has the following information to share with us regarding Valentine’s Day 2021: “As we approach the one-year mark of the pandemic reaching Colorado, most of us can confidently say that we have found new ways to navigate our day-to-day lives while following public health protocols to slow the spread of COVID-19. But as we approach February 14, some may be wondering how to appropriately celebrate Valentine’s Day. At the core, Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love and affection. It’s commonly celebrated between romantic partners by going out on dates, exchanging gifts or flowers, and finding time to shower your partner with kisses. In some cases, Valentine’s Day may not be compatible with the effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. During this past year, we’ve had to adopt some challenging new social norms that limit our in-person interactions with others outside our households. These restrictions have the potential to change our Valentine’s Day plans, but they don’t mean we have to cancel the holiday. During the last year, Coloradans have found new and creative ways to celebrate their favorite holidays while keeping their families and loved ones safe. As we show our love this year, it’s important to:
ü Limit contact with those outside your household.
ü Keep a distance of at least 6 feet away from people you don’t live with.
ü Wear a mask when you go out in public.
ü Wash your hands often.
Despite this, there are many ways to show love to those around you. Break out of the mold and celebrate an old holiday with new flair by:
ü Signing up for an online class with your partner.
ü Cooking a romantic meal at home.
ü Curling up on the couch and watching a romantic movie together.
ü Scheduling a virtual date and cooking together over video chat.
ü Joining a virtual speed dating event.
ü Writing love letters and sending them in the mail.
ü Eating an entire box of chocolate with your roommate.
However you decide to celebrate this year, keep in mind that while we may be tired of the pandemic, the pandemic isn’t slowing down on its own. Only we have the power to slow the spread.” Yep, it’s up to us.
4. Free Community Testing: Through the month of February 2021 (or until further notice), free COVID-19 community testing will be available in Crowley and Otero Counties as follows:
ü Testing Location: Crowley County Nursing Center (CCNC), 401 Idaho Avenue, Ordway, CO 81063
§ Testing Dates
· 2/16/2021
· 2/23/2021
§ Testing Hours: 9am-11am
ü Testing Location: Otero Junior College (OJC), 1619 San Juan Ave, La Junta, CO 81050
§ Testing Dates
· 2/17/2021
· 2/24/2021
§ Testing Hours: 10am-3pm
ü General Information:
§ The testing site is open to anybody who wishes to be tested. We suggest visiting https://covid19.
§ Testing is free.
§ No Appointment is required.
§ No physician order or insurance is required.
§ No email, No Problem - Staff at the test site will register you onsite
§ Individuals tested must be inside an enclosed vehicle for safety. No walk-ups or motorcycles are allowed through the testing site.
§ The site is open to neighboring communities and counties
§ When going to the community testing site, a nasal swab sample is collected by MAKO staff. Testing will be provided to individuals 2 years of age or older
§ Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Testing: English | Spanish
§ Community Testing is provided by Mako Medical. Se habla Español.
ü Getting Test Results
§ Results from MAKO Medical testing sites will be available four days after testing.
§ Texting: “MAKO” to 66349
§ Visiting mako.luminatehealth.
§ Calling the customer service line Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM, (719) 416-5857
- 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/
ü An email from the Governor’s Office dated 2/9/2021 had this to say: “The vaccine is our path back to the things we love to do: seeing our families, enjoying a group dinner, going to the movies, and so much more that we have missed during this time. Colorado continues to see our number of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations decline, which is very encouraging, but we cannot take this news for granted. Until more Coloradans have received the vaccine, we all have to continue doing everything we can to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
So please:
ü Wear a mask
ü Stay at least 6 feet away from others
ü Limit social interactions to those within your household”
- 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: Current, where we are right now
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
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 & 1B.2. 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: 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: Blue (Caution)
o What are the level restrictions/guidelines: COVID-19 dial dashboard | Colorado COVID-19 Updates
ü Total Cases: 1,885
o Change from last Friday’s update: 67 cases added
§ These numbers include inmates and nursing home residents (please see Facility Outbreaks below).
ü Community Cumulative Incidence Rates per 100,000 Population
o One week (for the time period 2/4/2021-2/10/2021): 66.31
o Two week (for the time period 1/28/2021-2/10/2021): 99.47
§ Change from last week’s update: Increased by 33.16
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: Blue (Caution)
o What are the level restrictions/guidelines: COVID-19 dial dashboard | Colorado COVID-19 Updates
ü Total Cases: 1,797
o Change from last Friday’s update: 7 cases added.
ü Community Cumulative Incidence Rates per 100,000 Population
o One week (for the time period 2/4/2021-2/10/2021 ): 49.23
o Two week (for the time period 1/28/2021-2/10/2021): 76.58
§ Change from last week’s update: Decreased by 54.70
ü Total COVID Related Deaths: 60
o Change from last Friday’s update: 0
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 Evergreen Gardens Assisted Living
§ Status: Active
· Date illnesses were determined to be an outbreak: 11/27/2020
· Total resident cases: 3
· Total staff cases: 3
o Fowler Health Care
§ Status: Resolved
· Date illnesses were determined to be an outbreak: 11/30/2020
· Date outbreak was considered closed: 2/8/2021
· 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-La Junta
§ 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 409,683 cases
o Change from last Friday’s update: 8,832 cases added
ü 22,655 hospitalized
o Change from last Friday’s update: 479 hospitalizations added
ü 64 counties
o No change as this is the total number of counties in Colorado
ü 2,478,316 people tested
o Change from last Friday’s update: 51,173 additional tests
ü 5,568 deaths due to COVID-19
o Change from last Friday’s update: 137 deaths added
ü 3,716 outbreaks (view outbreak data: https://covid19.colorado.gov/
o Change from last Friday’s update: 117 outbreaks added
ü COVID-19 Dial Dashboard: https://covid19.colorado.gov/
f. United States (numbers are cumulative)
ü Total Cases: 27,127,858
o Change from last Friday’s update: 729,521 cases added
ü Total Deaths: 470,110
o Change from last Friday’s update: 21,090 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: 107,423,526
o Change from last Friday’s update: 3,258,460 cases added
ü Deaths: 2,360,280
o Change from last Friday’s update: 94,926 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.”
Some of the coldest temperatures in years is supposed to impact us this weekend, so stay warm and safe!
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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