SAN LUIS VALLEY - The recent concerning influx of new COVID-19 cases has brought home the importance of social connections. A typical scenario involves one family member coming down with the virus and passing it along to one or more family members before they know they have the illness. It is often impossible to tell where the first case originated -- it could be at work, at school, at a social event -- anywhere the person has been in contact with others.

Activities this fall and winter may require some creativity to honor and care for one another in ways that protect those who are vulnerable, not only in our own families, but in the larger community as well. When weather allows, gather outdoors and keep gatherings small. On Friday, the Governor ordered private and public gatherings to a maximum of 10 people, made up of no more than two households, for all counties in Safer at Home Levels of the Dial.

Those at lower risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19 are the most likely to be exposed to it and bring it home to loved ones. In the San Luis Valley, young adults ages 20-29 have had more cases than any other age group, closely followed by those in their 30s and 40s. However, all of the deaths in the SLV region have been in people age 50 and older.

The San Luis Valley’s cumulative total of COVID-19 cases as of Oct. 28, 2020, is 679. We have had 84 total new cases in the past two weeks.

The SLV currently has 75 known active COVID-19 cases:
Alamosa County- 46
Conejos County - 9Costilla County - 1
Mineral County - 0
Rio Grande County - 12
Saguache County - 7

To pursue testing for COVID-19, or for medical questions, call;
Rio Grande Hospital 719-657-4990

SLV Health Respiratory Clinic 719-589-3000 ext. 9

Valley-Wide Health Systems 719-589-3658 ext. 9 (M-F), 719-589-2562 (Sa/Su)

The Colorado Spirit Crisis Counseling Program (CCP )offers community-based crisis counseling, help with disaster coping strategies, education and more. Get information at https://www.slvbhg.org/services-and-programs/coloradospirit/  or call 719-587-5673.

For general (nonmedical) SLV COVID-19 related questions: [email protected] , 719-480-8719