Fully protected HRRMC employees test a person outside the Emergency Department. Thus far, no hospital workers have tested positive for the virus.
Andrea Carlstrom, Chaffee County Public Health (CCPH) Director reports as of Tuesday, April 14 there were a total of 57 cases of confirmed or suspected COVID-19 in the county. The death toll remains at four; three of which were residents at Columbine Manor Care Center, where an outbreak has thus far sickened at least 26 residents and staff.
Carlstrom points out that because of limited testing capability, daily and weekly numbers reported don’t necessarily represent the total presence of the virus in Chaffee County.
The Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center hospital (HRRMC) is still at 44 percent capacity, with patients in 11 out of 25 beds. Overall, she said, tests from the Emergency Department, inpatient, the triage tent outside, clinics, employees and providers have totaled 224. Of these, 18 tested positive, 202 negative, with four still pending results. Two patients remain hospitalized with COVID-19, one prior other patient was released after treatment.
On the positive news front, Allison Gergley, HRRMC Marketing and Public Relations Director said thus far, their healthcare workers have been virus-free. “We have tested 25 employees for COVID-19, and all have come back negative. I think that’s a testament to our staff and the precautions they are taking to protect themselves and our patients,” she said.
Statewide, the numbers continue to rise, even with the expressed hope that a peak might be reached in the relatively near future.
As of April 13, Colorado case summary numbers show that there were at least 7,691 cases reported, with 1,493 people hospitalized across 56 counties. More than 38,700 people have been tested, and 308 deaths have been recorded from the virus in Colorado.
State and local officials are reminding residents of the stay at home order, unless going out for essential reasons. Non-critical businesses are closed, and officials are encouraging people who do venture outside their homes to always wear a protective mask to prevent further community spread of the disease.
Carlstrom reminded residents that CCPH is hosting a mask distribution drive-through event on Wednesday, April 15 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. (or as long as supplies last) at the Touber Building (448 East 1st St) in Salida. This event will be held to offer free cloth masks to residents who have not been able to get one. Masks will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last, limit three per car/household. Donations will be accepted. CCPH is also working with a group in Buena Vista to ensure mask distribution on the north end of the county.
Various organization and public-spirited individuals have been making masks for residents and health workers on a continuing basis, as well as posting signs of encouragement at facilities around town.
Neighborhoods around the community are filled with howls at 8 p.m. each evening; an adopted vocal activity by residents to show their appreciation to healthcare workers, first responders and others involved in the pandemic battle. The are residents who want to demonstrate gratitude to those on the front lines of the effort. Besides, as one observer noted, “it’s kind of fun to howl loudly”.
Just listened to Public Health conference on facebook – 58 cases and 42 are Columbine Manor staff and residences
Yes, this number has been a continuously-rising statistic — this article was published a few minutes after 8 a.m. this morning, and the stats you cite were at noon today.