SAN LUIS VALLEY– The San Luis Valley has seen a surge in COVID-19 cases following a temporary leveling that was noted a week ago. CDC currently lists Alamosa, Conejos, Mineral, and Rio Grande counties at High community level.  Costilla and Saguache counties are at level Medium. There have been 197 new cases reported in the past week in the SLV. Our test positivity rate has climbed to nearly 10%. Hospitalizations have also increased, now averaging about one new COVID-19 admission every two days in the San Luis Valley. Local data is updated weekly at www.slvphp.com. 

Be aware and practice prevention measures. Individuals are advised to wear a mask in public, stay up to date with vaccines, avoid crowds, and wash hands frequently. Follow CDC recommendations for isolation and quarantine, including getting tested if you are exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19. 

CDC now recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone ages 6 months and older. This is welcome news for many parents who have been anxious to vaccinate their young children. Parents, check with your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns about vaccines for children. 

If you are over age 50 or have underlying conditions, it is especially important to get your second booster. If you are not sure if it is time for your next shot, you can use the calculator at https://covid19.colorado.gov/vaccine-calculator. Although there are instances where fully vaccinated and boosted persons still get COVID, the likelihood of severe illness and hospitalization are reduced. No vaccine is 100% effective at preventing illness, so don’t let the possibility of getting breakthrough illness dissuade you from getting vaccinated and boosted. 

Colorado is transitioning from state-supported community testing sites to a stronger emphasis on testing through healthcare providers, rapid tests and home testing. Public health and healthcare partners in the SLV are meeting with one another and with state officials to strategize how to make tests available to everyone who needs them in our region. More information on this will be coming soon. 

Vaccinations are available through healthcare providers, pharmacies, and mobile clinics. Upcoming state-led mobile vaccine clinics are scheduled as follows: 

• Thursday 6/23/22, 10am-6pm at Safeway in Alamosa
• Friday 6/24/2022, 10am-6pm at Simple Foods in Del Norte
• Saturday 6/25/2022, 10am-6pm at Antonito Together Community Yard Sale, 6th and Spruce in Antonito
• Sunday 6/26/2022, 10am-6pm at Ramon’s Mexican Restaurant in South Fork
• Monday 6/27/2022, 10am-6pm at Veterans Coalition of the SLV, 226 6th St in Alamosa
• Tuesday 6/28/2022  10am-6pm at Mineral County Public Health in Creede