The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Community Levels for COVID-19 for Archuleta County moved to Medium on Thursday. This increase is due to the elevated 7-day incidence rate, which is 270.87 per 100,000 people. La Plata County remained in Community Level Low and has an incidence rate of 64.03 per 100,000 people.
COVID-19 outbreaks are ongoing in some high risk and congregate settings, especially among older adults. The virus continues to lead to severe illness and death in our local community. These risks underscore the importance of lifesaving vaccines and boosters and taking extra precautions when interacting with vulnerable individuals.
For community level medium, individuals who are at high risk for severe disease should consider wearing a mask indoors in public and take additional precautions. For all Community Levels, individuals are encouraged to stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters, and test if experiencing symptoms.
Vaccines are the safest, most effective way to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death caused by COVID-19. Updated boosters for the omicron variant are now widely available – including at a state-sponsored clinic 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. SJBPH encourages all eligible individuals to get the booster shot this fall. Find out more about local COVID-19 vaccine providers on SJBPH’s website.
There is free community PCR testing available from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. At-home tests are available free at the SJBPH offices in both Durango and Pagosa Springs. More information about testing is available on SJBPH’s website.
KN95 masks are also available at SJBPH front desks in Durango and Pagosa Springs.
COVID-19 treatments are for people who have mild to moderate symptoms and are not in the hospital but who are at high risk of getting very sick. Seek treatment as soon as possible when you start to feel symptoms. Ask your health care provider or seek Telehealth for treatment. Learn more about how to access COVID-19 treatments via the State of Colorado or SJBPH.
COVID-19 treatments are available if you test positive. You should get treatment as soon as possible when you start to feel symptoms. If you are at high risk and have COVID-19, ask your health care provider about treatment as soon as you can. Telehealth is also an option for receiving treatment. Learn more about how to access COVID-19 treatments via the State of Colorado or SJBPH.