COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the San Luis Valley. There are currently 103 known active cases of COVID-19 in the San Luis Valley. This data is being updated every Monday and Thursday at https://www.slvphp.com/slv-regional-covid-dial.
Alamosa County - 53
Conejos County - 25
Costilla County - 1
Mineral County - 1
Rio Grande County - 15
Saguache County - 9
Rising case numbers have resulted in a rise in hospitalizations. “As of 3:00 p.m. on Monday, May 3, 2021, the SLV Health Regional Medical Center reported that hospitalizations over the weekend rose to eight COVID positive patients, several who were in serious condition, several who will be able to go home, and more being admitted throughout the day. The numbers have not been this high since the last spike in February. The positivity rate reported from the laboratory and increased calls to the respiratory clinic also align with the growing number of positive cases in the area. With upcoming graduation and spring events at the schools, the hospital leadership is highly encouraging everyone to get their COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible to help prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease,” said Donna Wehe, SLVH Director of Communications.
For the first time in several months, our region’s positivity rate is 6.5%, which is an indicator that a significant number of cases are probably going undetected. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, get screened for testing by calling one of these testing providers:
Rio Grande Hospital 719-657-4990
SLV Health Respiratory Clinic 719-589-3000 ext. 9
Valley-Wide Health Systems 719-589-3658 ext. 4 (M-F), 719-589-2562 (Sa/Su)
As of May 2nd, 52% of eligible San Luis Valley residents have not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine. A little less than half of our residents have received a vaccine, and 39.7% have completed the vaccine regimen for maximum protection. Right now everyone age 16 and above is eligible. We anticipate that the age limit will drop soon to 12 years old. If you have questions about whether you should get a vaccine, talk to your health care provider.
The level of vaccine use in our community is not high enough to provide community-level protection against the spread of the virus. Wearing masks and social distancing, especially if you have not received a vaccine yet, are still important precautions to protect yourself, your loved ones, and others with whom you come in contact. Local public health agencies report that new cases are in all age groups and settings. We are seeing fewer cases among those over the age of 50, which is to be expected given that more older people have been vaccinated than younger people.
Single-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccines are available. If you prefer a single-dose vaccine, contact your local public health department. To sign up to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, contact one of the local providers below. Online signup links for these providers can be found at www.slvphp.com. If you have an appointment and you can’t make it, please call to cancel so that no vaccine is wasted.
Valley-Wide Health Systems (719) 587-9610
Rio Grande Hospital (719) 657-2418
SLV Health (719) 587-1355
Alamosa County Public Health (719) 589-6639
Conejos County Public Health (719) 274-4307
Costilla County Public Health (719) 672-3332
Silver Thread Public Health (719) 658-2416
Rio Grande County Public Health (719) 657-3352
Saguache County Public Health (719) 655-2533
City Market Pharmacy - www.citymarket.com/rx/guest/get-vaccinated
Safeway Pharmacy - www.mhealthappointments.com/covidappt
Walgreens Pharmacy - www.walgreens.com
Walmart Pharmacy - www.walmart.com/COVIDvaccine