With 56 cases reported in the past week and more than a hundred in the past two weeks, the Chaffee County COVID-19 total is nearing 150 just since the start of the new year.
One more death was reported this week among people infected with the virus; a 43-year-old woman from the north side of the county. Her death was not tied directly to COVID-19, according to Coroner Jeff Graf; the woman had severe medical issues as well.
The new totals, as the Chaffee County Public Health Department (CCPH) moves to reduce its reporting updates from twice a week to once per week, bring the overall COVID-19 case totals to more than 800 here since the pandemic began, not including 111 so-called out-of-county cases detected locally.
Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center reports it is currently treating two COVID-19 patients, but lists 80 percent of its bed capacity filled. The hospital also recently announced it would begin distributing virus vaccines by appointment in the community. (See related story)
Statewide, the number of COVID-19 cases in Colorado has topped 381,000 with more than 21,000 hospitalized overall and some 5,400 deaths among infected people.
The seven-day moving average of daily cases is nearly 1,600 with a seven-day average positivity rate of 5.22 percent and 712 people currently hospitalized with confirmed cases of the virus.
Statewide, more than 313,000 people have gotten the first dose of a vaccine, and nearly 62,000 were immunized with a second dose.
* The CCPH website reports contains vaccine scheduling information as well as information on questions about virus variants:
COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution and Clinics
- CCPH has previously launched a new online scheduler for the COVID-19 vaccine clinics.
- Currently, the CCPH schedule is full. Residents are asked to be patient and check back frequently.
- CCPH will offer new appointment slots as vaccine inventory becomes available.
- The scheduler for a second dose will be open the day after receiving a first dose. You are asked to schedule your second dose using the electronic scheduler.
- If you know of someone who has barriers to access the online scheduler, please help them get registered.
- CCPH appreciates everyone’s patience and understanding; it can only schedule vaccines based upon supply.
- CCPH clinics are for Chaffee County residents only.
- In order to receive a vaccine through CCPH, you must have an appointment.
- Currently, CCPH’s vaccination events are drive-through clinics held on Mondays and Tuesdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
- It is important to schedule a second dose through the scheduler using the date on the white CDC card received at the first appointment. The appointment does not replace the online scheduler. There are specific dates and slots available for second doses.
- Phase 2 is estimated to begin later this winter, and CCPH is hopeful that there will be additional vaccination provider support.
- Phase 3 might be able to begin as early as spring (If CDPHE permits and if there is a steady stream of vaccine and supplies.). However, the current state phasing is anticipating a summer rollout for Phase 3.
- Health officials recognize that not everyone in the county, including those 70 and older, has access and ability to utilize the online scheduling system. So, they encourage family, friends, service providers, and other support systems to help those who do not have the means to register themselves.
- Plans are underway to collaborate with the Chaffee County Shuttle for transportation alternatives and with other service providers to offer those who are homebound with vaccination services.
- CCPH continues to pursue a phone registration option, which will most likely involve a phone bank. More details coming are coming soon. It’s understood that not everyone has access to computers, smart phones, etc.
- While CCPH hopes that friends, family, neighbors, and service providers will help those in need get connected to our online scheduling system, if someone truly doesn’t have the ability to register online, they are welcome to call 719-539-4510 and leave a message. Finally, you are asked to check in with the older adults and others that might not have access to the internet, computers, and technology in case they might be needing help registering.
Recent Comments