Public Health Update: November 9, 2020

SAN LUIS VALLEY - 

 

The SLV currently has 158 known active COVID-19 cases.

Alamosa County- 68

Conejos County - 28

Costilla County - 10

Mineral County - 0

Rio Grande County - 30

Saguache County - 22

Numbers are updated weekdays at https://www.slvphp.com/slv-regional-covid-dial/

 

There are hopeful signs regarding vaccine development, but until vaccinations are widely available, individual actions are the best tools we have to fight the virus. 

 

Colorado’s COVID-19 hospitalizations have risen to record levels. Last week, Dr. Rachel Herlihy, the State Epidemiologist, warned that if things continue in this direction we may exceed hospital ICU capacity in Colorado by the end of the year. Hospitalizations for COVID are up in the San Luis Valley as well, with 20 local COVID hospitalizations in the past month. 

 

If you need to visit a local government office, call ahead to see if they are open for walk-in traffic. 

 

COVID-related deaths as a percentage of cases have slowed since earlier in the pandemic, but they have not stopped. With recent deaths reported in Rio Grande and Conejos Counties, our total for the San Luis Valley stands at 16. 

 

Transmission of the virus in the SLV is occurring wherever people gather. Social gatherings, meetings, workplaces, childcare settings, and many more. Our Public Health officials strongly encourage everyone to limit private gatherings. Today Governor Polis asked people to cancel social plans for the next few weeks and limit close social contacts to your own household members. Continue with mask wearing and social distancing. If you live alone, select a small number of other people to be your “bubble”. He emphasized that this goes hand-in-hand with economic recovery. “We have the tools to fight the virus, but in the end, it is up to you,” he said. 

 

To pursue testing for COVID-19, or for medical questions, call;

  • Rio Grande Hospital 719-657-4990

  • SLVHealth Respiratory Clinic 719-589-3000 ext. 9 

  • Valley-Wide Health Systems 719-589-3658 ext. 9 (M-F), 719-589-2562 (Sa/Su)

 

The Colorado Spirit Crisis Counseling Program (CCP) offers community-based crisis counseling, help with disaster coping strategies, education, and more. Get information at https://www.slvbhg.org/services-and-programs/coloradospirit/ or call 719-587-5673. 

 

For general (non-medical) SLV COVID-19 related questions: slvepr@alamosacounty.org, 719-480-8719