Chaffee County Public Health Director Andrea Carlstrom updated the current coronavirus totals on April 16, announcing 56 confirmed cases in the county; 42 of which were recorded at Columbine Manor Care Center in Salida among both patients and staff. There have been four deaths to date, three of them among Columbine residents. She said 21 of the 56 cases have reported recovery.
Carlstrom added that there have been 83 outbreaks of the COVID-19 disease at residential and non-hospital facilities in Colorado and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will be issuing new information on those outbreaks.
Columbine Manor Care Center. Photo by Dan Smith
She further noted that some data shows differences because local health departments sometimes get information from testing labs before the state health department does. As of April 15, there were 8,280 positive cases in the state, with 1,635 people hospitalized, 40,532 people tested and 357 death attributed to the virus.
The Chaffee County Public Health Department online reporting tool is still up for residents to report symptoms, with 76 people having reported thus far, she said, and 21 reporting their symptoms have resolved. The data is used only for tracking purposes.
Carlstrom also said the emotional check-in tool survey sponsored by Solvista Health to assist finding resources and support has been used by 109 people who mentioned concerns over work and loss of income; concerns over isolation and missing friends and neighbors; anxiety, stress and concerns for the community.
Remarking about various ways residents are staying connected, Carlstrom suggested including making family walks part of a routine, ‘girls night in,’ and other ways to connect and play games over virtual environment, and finding spiritual support through churches. Some neighborhoods she said, have done driveway socialization during warmer weather, and even neighborhood dinners with each family eating their own food in a driveway, but socializing with neighbors while maintaining proper social distancing.
“Our community cares about one another – the most frequent word mentioned this week was community,” she said. “People are grateful for all of the giving happening in the community with food banks and donations. A lot of people expressed liking the survey and to keep it going because they want to know how others are doing and what others are doing in regards to coping,” Carlstrom added.
Solvista is offering free online support groups, open to all communities. Those desiring help can call Heather at 719-275-2351 ext. 2208 to sign up. Groups include Connecting with Community Members; Feeling Your Heart; Circle of Community and Relaxation Support.
As previously stated, the statewide stay-at-home order is in effect until April 26, while the local order extends to April 30, and will be reviewed prior to that date for possible extension.
Recent Comments