SAN LUIS VALLEY --  An influx of new COVID-19 cases were reported in the San Luis Valley today. The new cases have included people in every county and every age group, from preschoolers to senior citizens. Local hospitals and clinics shared with public health today that they continue to see a lot of very sick people with COVID-19. There were 228 known active cases of COVID-19 in the San Luis Valley as of Tuesday night.

-Alamosa County - 72

Conejos County - 42

Costilla County - 15

Mineral County - 9

Rio Grande County - 57

Saguache County - 33

The San Luis Valley epidemiology team is updating data to share later this week regarding the portion of SLV cases that are in vaccinated or unvaccinated people. 81% of those currently hospitalized for COVID-19 in Colorado are unvaccinated.

Local public health authorities would like to thank those who have been conscientious about observing quarantine instructions following exposures to COVID-19. Those who are not fully vaccinated should quarantine following a COVID-19 exposure. Quarantine can vary up to 14 days depending on a variety of factors.

As a reminder, if you are fully vaccinated (at least 2 weeks since your 2nd shot), you do not need to quarantine after an exposure. Just wear a mask for 14 days and watch for symptoms. If symptoms develop, isolate yourself and get tested.

Those who received their second dose of Pfizer vaccine more than 6 months ago should get a booster if they are age 65 or older, living in a residential care facility or other institutional setting, or age 50-64 with underlying medical c o n d i t i o n s . P f i z e r recipients may also consider a booster after 6 months if they are age 18-49 with underlying conditions, or if they have increased risk for COVID-19 based on their work setting.

If you are moderately to severely immunocompromised, you should receive an extra or third dose of Pfizer or Moderna no sooner than 28 days after your second dose of the same vaccine.

VACCINATION

To find local vaccine providers and vaccination events, please see www. slvphp.com/vaccination or call 719-480-8719. Most local providers o f f e r c o n f i d e n t i a l appointments, and some may accommodate walkins. Some providers are offering flu shots along with COVID-19 shots during the same visit.

TESTING COVID 

Check Colorado offers free testing on the Adams State University campus for students, staff and community members Monday through Thursday, 7am-6pm in the lobby of Conour Hall. Please fill out the registration form ahead of time at https://www. adams.edu/safe-return/. You may also register at the testing site.

Free COVID-19 testing is available to the public through mobile clinics on the dates and locations listed below. Register when you arrive, or register online in advance at www. affinityecarecolorado.com.

Tuesdays, 10am-2pm at Rio Grande County Social Services, 1015 6th St in Del Norte

Wednesdays, 3pm-7pm at the Community Center in Saguache

Wednesdays, 10:30- 1:30 at the Safeway in Monte Vista

Thursdays, 10am-2pm at La Jara Town Hall, 210 Broadway St in La Jara

Friday, 10/1/2021, 9am-11am at Antonito Town Hall

To be screened for testing for COVID-19 through local testing providers call: Rio Grande Hospital 719-657-4990 SLV Health Respiratory Clinic 719- 589-3000 ext. 9.