8/27/2021 Crowley/Otero COVID-19 Update #1: Crowley Remains in Green Level, Otero Enters Yellow Level, Otero Epidemiology Graph, Public Health Recommendations/Requirements

Description: Otero County Epidemiology (Epi) Graph provided by Otero County Health Department.

THIS IS A 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 8/27/2021 at 11:24 a.m.

PLEASE DISTRIBUTE THIS WIDELY

8/27/2021 Crowley/Otero COVID-19 Update #1:  Crowley Remains in Green Level, Otero Enters Yellow Level, Otero Epidemiology Graph, Public Health Recommendations/Requirements

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.

1.      Current Crowley/Otero COVID-19 Rate Status

ü  One Week Cumulative Incidence Rate (per 100,000) Ranges

§ Green Level:  0-35

§ Blue Level:  36-100

§ Yellow Level:  101-300

§ Orange Level:  301-500

§ Red Level:  501+

ü  COVID-19 Dashboard:  COVID-19 dial dashboard | Colorado COVID-19 Updates

ü  Crowley County:  Our rate in Crowley remains in Green Level with a 1 week cumulative incidence rate of 16.6 (for the data period 8/19/2021-8/25/2021).  We have maintained Green Level status for 49 consecutive days.  If no cases are added to the 1 week interval corresponding to today, then we will drop to a zero rate this afternoon at approximately 4:30pm. 

ü  Otero County:  Otero County just entered Yellow Level with a current 1 week cumulative incidence rate of 103.9 (for the data period of 8/19/2021-8/25/2021).  Since our last significant peak in cases on 4/29/2021, our epi curve trended downward, assumed a “relatively” flat profile, and from the data point of 7/24/2021 to the most current data point the line is showing a gentle inclined slope (see the attachment).  This gentle inclined slope can turn steep in a hurry depending on our behaviors (see # 3 below), it’s up to us to keep that line as flat as possible. 

2.      Otero County Epidemiology (Epi) Graph:  I have attached an Otero County epi graph with some explanatory notes. 

3.      OCHD Public Health Recommendations

ü  Seriously consider getting fully vaccinated if you have not already done so.

ü  If you are unvaccinated/not fully vaccinated, wear a mask when in public.

ü  Wear an appropriate mask when required to do so, even if you are fully vaccinated. 

ü  Review and follow the prevention guidelines found here:  Prevent the spread of COVID-19 | Colorado COVID-19 Updates 

ü  Perform a symptom check on yourself and your children before going out in public (i.e. work, school, the store, etc.)

a.       COVID-19 symptoms:  Do you have symptoms? | Colorado COVID-19 Updates

b.      Stay home if you are sick and, if needed, call your medical provider.

c.       Parents/guardians, do not send your kids to school if they are sick. 

ü  If you need to isolate (because you have tested positive and/or are symptomatic) or quarantine (because you have been exposed but are not symptomatic), here is the guidance:  Isolation & quarantine | Colorado COVID-19 Updates

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

4. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Requirements 
1. Under the 5th Amended Public Health Order (PHO) 20-38 (FIFTH AMENDED PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER 20-38_JHRsig.pdf - Google Drive), face coverings are required for unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated patients, residents, and visitors, and medical grade face masks are required for unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated staff in the following settings that serve vulnerable or at-risk populations:

                                                              i.      Homeless shelters;

                                                            ii.      Prisons;

                                                          iii.      Jails; and

                                                          iv.      Emergency medical and other healthcare settings (including hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, urgent care centers, clinics, doctors’ offices, and non-urgent care medical structures).

2. Under the Residential Care Facility (RCF) Comprehensive Mitigation Guidance (RCF Comprehensive Mitigation Guidance.pdf - Google Drive), universal mask use for health care personnel, visitors, and residents in Residential Care Facilities is currently required regardless of vaccination status.

                                                              i.      A residential care facility is defined as “skilled nursing facilities, assisted living residences, intermediate care facilities, and group homes. This does not include non-residential settings such as Adult Day Services.”

5. Federal Public Transportation Mask Requirement:  Masking on school buses and other public transportation is required by Federal Order (Order: Wearing of face masks while on conveyances and at transportation hubs | Quarantine | CDC)

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

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