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 Tuesday 2/16/2021 at 11:57 am

PLEASE DISTRIBUTE THIS WIDELY

2/16/2021 Crowley/Otero COVID-19 Update #2:  Crowley/Otero COVID-19 Dial Level Updates

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.  Below are the latest Crowley & Otero Counties COVID-19 Dial Level updates:

ü  Crowley County:  Crowley County just numerically passed into the Level Yellow threshold with a rate of 116.05.  This is the non-prison inmate one week cumulative incidence rate per 100,000 population for the time period of 2/8/2021-2/14/2021.  For a one week period, the threshold between Blue Level and Yellow Level is 100.

o   What does this mean:

§  This is very recent data with just 2 date points (2/13/2021 & 2/14/2021) in Yellow Level;

§  This does not establish Crowley County in Level Yellow yet;

§  This DOES NOT establish a trend yet, it’s too early to tell;

§  Crowley County HAS NOT moved to Yellow Level; &

§  Crowley County is still in Blue Level.

ü  Otero County:  Otero County has maintained in Blue Level with a rate of 76.58.  This is the one week cumulative incidence rate per 100,000 population for the time period of 2/8/2021-2/14/2021.  For a one week period, the threshold between Blue Level and Yellow Level is 100.

ü  Let’s keep our rates down!  PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE:

o   Consider getting a COVID-19 vaccination when it becomes available to you;

§  Vaccination information        

·         Colorado COVID-19 Vaccine Website:  COVID-19 vaccine | Colorado COVID-19 Updates

·         Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):  COVID-19 Vaccine frequently asked questions | Colorado COVID-19 Updates

·         Vaccine for Coloradans:  Vaccine for Coloradans | Colorado COVID-19 Updates

·         Colorado Vaccine Dashboard:  COVID-19 vaccine | Colorado COVID-19 Updates

·         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

·         Moderna Vaccine Information:  Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine EUA Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers (fda.gov)

·         Pfizer Vaccine Information:  Coronavirus COVID-19 Vaccine Update: Latest Developments | Pfizer

·         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).

o   Wear a mask;

o   Stay at least 6 feet away from others;

o   Limit social interactions to those within your household;

o   Symptom/temperature check all in your family before going out for necessary activities;

o   Cover coughs and sneezes;

o   Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth;

o   Clean high touch surfaces;

o   Stay home if you are sick; &

o   Wash your hands appropriately and frequently. 

Here are some prevention recommendations:  https://covid19.colorado.gov/prevention

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