SAN LUIS VALLEY– We are beginning to see variant cases of COVID-19 in the San Luis Valley. So far, there has been one confirmed case of B.1.427/ 429 in the San Luis Valley. This is one of the California variants. It spreads more easily and has potential to make people sicker than the original form of the virus we saw earlier in the pandemic. In addition to this first confirmed case, there are 11 more suspected variant cases of concern awaiting final confirmation across the San Luis Valley. Variants make up the majority of the new cases in Colorado. It is likely that the highly transmissible nature of new variants, along with decreased precautionary behaviors, are driving the recent increase in COVID-19 illness in our region. Public health will share more information as the situation develops. Stay tuned!

Because of the highly contagious nature of these new variants, it is very important for people to follow public health recommendations regarding isolation and quarantine, which will include a 14 day quarantine for contacts. If you are sick, stay home away from others and get screened for testing. Everyone can do their part by continuing to wear a mask, practice social distancing, wash your hands, and avoid large gatherings. 

Vaccines are important for fighting all forms of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. It is expected that a small number of people who have been vaccinated can still get COVID-19, but vaccination has been shown to be effective in reducing the severity of illness if it does occur, and preventing deaths. If you have not yet received a vaccine, please contact one of the vaccine providers listed at the end of this article to schedule an appointment. 

There are currently 81 known active cases of COVID-19 in the San Luis Valley. 

• Alamosa County - 41
• Conejos County - 9
• Costilla County - 0
• Mineral County - 0
• Rio Grande County - 22
• Saguache County - 9

 If you have symptoms of COVID-19, get tested through our regular testing providers:

• Rio Grande Hospital 719-657-4990
• SLV Health Respiratory Clinic 719-589-3000 ext. 9 
• Valley-Wide Health Systems 719-589-3658 1-833-350-1113 ext. 4 (M-F), 719-589-2562 (Sa/Su)

To sign up to receive a vaccine, contact one of the local providers below. Online signup links for these providers can be found at www.slvphp.com.

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