Due mainly to a recent surge of COVID-19 cases at the Buena Vista Correctional Complex (BVCC), the total number of coronavirus cases (counted from the beginning of the pandemic) for Chaffee County has soared. The totals include 128 inmates infected, up sharply from the 85 reported on Friday, July 17; and three staff members reported earlier.
Also included in the totals, and unchanged recently were 56 cases at Columbine Manor Care Center, including 44 residents and 12 staff members. The totals also include 32 community cases detected in testing.
The combined 230 total does not reflect 14 additional cases from testing of nonresidents, who, health officials noted, could represent tourists or people who reside in another county and were tested here.
Andrea Carlstrom, Chaffee County Public Health (CCPH) Director reported most of the results from testing last week were still being awaited.
“Last week, CCPH tested 96 people. As of 3 p.m. on July 20th, we have received just 12 results back, all of which are negative,” she stated. “We will update with the positivity rate once all results have been received.” Governor Jared Polis announced a Statewide Mask Order on Thursday, July 16, directing the public to wear a face-covering while inside public, indoor spaces.
CCPH hosts two free testing clinics each week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Touber Building (448 East First Street in Salida). Testing is by appointment only. Appointments must be scheduled by close of business the day before the testing clinic will be held.
Carlstrom also announced a COVID-19 panel discussion online at noon, Friday, July 24 on Zoom for updates on the disease as well as ways to boost the immune system response to the virus. The event will be co-sponsored by Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center (HRRMC) and CCPH. According to the CCPH, studies have shown that improving your immune system can improve your response to the virus.
Presenters will include Erika Gelgand MD, HRRMC Infection Control; Sam Van De Velde MS, HRRMC Exercise Physiologist; Jon Fritz CDCES, HRRMC Diabetes Educator; Savanna Klimesh BA, HRRMC Health Promotion Specialist; Andrea Carlstrom MBA, CCPH Director.
Participants can watch on Facebook Live, YouTube Live, or Zoom. Meeting ID: 957 2677 3396, or can just call in with no video.
For more information visit the Chaffee County Public Health website. Visit https://hrrmc.zoom.us/j/95726773396.
Note: Featured image: An aerial view of the Buena Vista Correctional Complex. Courtesy of CDOC.
Also note, as of July 14, Chaffee County Public Health has set up a regular began a regular Tuesday — Thursday morning testing at the Touber Center. The AVV story about this testing option is available here.
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