SAN LUIS VALLEY - Five cases for the SLV have been reported since yesterday, 2 from Alamosa County, and 1 each for Mineral, Rio Grande, and Saguache counties. The total number of cumulative cases is now 385. Twenty-nine total people have been hospitalized, and 265 have completed isolation. There have been 7 fatalities of individuals with COVID-19. Numbers are updated weekdays at slvemergency.org/slv-covid-19/.

The FDA is releasing warnings about a group of hand sanitizers developed in Mexico that have an ingredient toxic to the skin and if ingested. Hand sanitizer has been in high demand since the pandemic started as an alternative to washing hands. Please read labels carefully and do not use sanitizer that has methanol or wood alcohol in it.

A team of Epidemiologists across the State has been working to establish metrics for local jurisdictions to determine when it is time for them to move into the “Protect Your Neighbor” phase, which is Colorado’s next step in safe and healthy reopening. According to Lilian Coll, SLV Regional Epidemiologist, who has been part of the workgroup, the metrics information will be presented to the Governor soon. 

Individuals who would like ideas on how to support businesses during the pandemic can be a “Can Do Consumer.” Some ideas include:

• Patronizing small and local businesses in your area

• Becoming a mentor in your industry, volunteer your time to help others succeed

• Offer free services to business owners

• Wearing a mask when you enter a local business to help keep its employees and other customers healthy and safe

• See more here: https://sites.google.com/state.co.us/candocolorado/can-do-consumers?authuser=0

For questions about testing or for medical advice, please contact your primary care doctor or call one of the numbers below to start the screening process:

For symptomatic individuals only, call:

• Rio Grande Hospital 719-657-4990

• SLVHealth Respiratory Clinic 719-589-2511 ext. 9 

For symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals who have had contact with a confirmed COVID-19 positive individual, call:

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

• Upcoming testing clinics:

• Antonito, Monday, 6/29. 9-11 am. Please call for an appointment: 719-587-2874. 

• Saguache, Tuesday, 6/30 has been CANCELLED.

• If your community would like to conduct a testing clinic or event, please contact Valley-Wide.

For general (non-medical) SLV COVID-19 related questions: [email protected], 719-480-8719 

This is a difficult time for many people. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please don’t hesitate to ask for support:

• SLV Behavioral Health Group: 719-589-3671

• 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 1 (844) 493-TALK (8255), or text TALK to 38255

Online: www.colorado.gov/ruralmentalhealth, www.slvbhg.org