Week opens with no new infections reported

There were no new COVID-19 infections or deaths reported Monday morning by  Chaffee County Public Health Director Andrea Carlstrom.

There are still 52 cases concentrated at Columbine Manor Care Center in Salida among residents and staff, including 27 residents in the facility, one who was transferred home, nine staff members, and 15 who have died from the virus. Two other deaths not involving Columbine Manor have also been recorded in the county.

As of noon Monday, there have been no positive virus cases confirmed since April 11.

The Health Department and Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center are planning to co-host an event this week, she said, with details forthcoming.

Two mask giveaways were held last week, Carlstrom noted, result in about 800 protective masks being given to the public in Salida and Buena Vista.

Carlstrom cautioned that local and state regulations still in effect that are designed to halt the community spread of the virus. She reminded residents that masks are to be worn when out in public and commented on the reports from residents of various out-of-town visitors seen, many of whom were also not wearing masks.

In Colorado, she said, there were 16,635 virus cases as of the last report, with 2,799 people hospitalized, and 820 deaths associated with the disease.

Across the state, there are now a total of at least 163 outbreaks of the virus at non-hospital health facilities like Columbine Manor and businesses, including meat processing plants.

The process of gradually reopening some businesses in the county continues. Carlstrom reported that some 400 local companies qualified for a certificate to reopen after meeting certain criteria beforehand.

The effort to help residents and businesses affected by the COVID-19 shutdowns continues to be an upbeat part of the story, with the Chaffee County Community Foundation fundraising campaign now approaching $350,000 in relief contributions.

Carlstrom also thanked members of the community for their various acts of kindness and support, including cards of encouragement from young people and even someone who left chocolates ‘mysteriously left at our door,’ noting they “didn’t last very long.”