SAN LUIS VALLEY — Case count update: Twenty-three new cases were confirmed in the San Luis Valley since Friday. New cases by county: Alamosa, 11; Conejos, 1; Rio Grande, 8, Saguache, 3, the total cumulative count to date for the region is 220.

Cases in the San Luis Valley have been broadly distributed across age groups, with those over age 60 representing only 14% of the total cases. This is a positive indicator that those over 60 have been diligent in staying home and away from others, and that long term care facilities have also been doing a great job.

Given that COVID-19 is currently on the rise in the region, it is encouraged that everyone to continue the good habits developed over the past two months: wash your hands frequently, keep physical distance from others and wear a cloth face covering to avoid spreading the virus, and stay home as much as you can, especially if you are over 65 or have underlying health conditions.

During this time it is still important to support local businesses while protecting ourselves and others. For those who are currently choosing to visit local businesses in person, protect yourself and others with masks and physical distancing. If you choose not to visit your favorite local stores in person for personal or family health reasons, call the store to see if they are offering any pick-up or delivery options rather than defaulting to online shopping. Take advantage of restaurant pick-up or delivery when you can.

Remember, if we can stay healthy and keep the employees at our favorite businesses healthy, we can help them stay open. Additional COVID-19 statistics can be found at slvemergency.org/ slv-covid-19/. Valley-Wide Health Systems, Inc. - Cesar E. Chavez Family Medical Center, located at 186 S Hurt St., Center, Colorado, will be holding drive-thru testing event on Wednesday, June 3, 2020, from 9 am to 12 pm, for residents of the Town of Center, and surrounding areas, that are displaying COVID19 symptoms or that have potentially been exposed by any of the local outbreaks.

Beginning 8 a.m. Tuesday, June 2, 2020, in order to be tested at this event patients must first call 719-587-2888 to register for a testing time. Testing at this event will be limited to the first 60 individuals that call to register. These tests are intended for patients needing their first test and are not intended to determine recovery status and/or ability to return to work. If you are having severe symptoms* do not wait for this testing event; seek emergency medical attention and call a local medical provider triage line if symptoms are severe or concerning to you.

Rio Grande Hospital 719-657- 4990

SLV Health Nurse Line 719- 589-2511 ext. 9

Valley-Wide Health Systems 719-589-3658 ext. 9

*Severe symptoms are identified by the CDC as: trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, bluish lips or face.