COVID-19 public health update

SAN LUIS VALLEY — So far, the San Luis Valley has had 20 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Of those, 8 have been hospitalized. Twelve have completed their isolation period and have been symptom-free for more than 72 hours. See the following web page for regular updates at http://www.slvemergency.org/ slv-covid-19/. The hospitalization numbers do not include those with pending tests, since many other illnesses that mimic COVID-19 also require hospitalization, and it is anticipated some of those tests will return negative.

Colorado had some announcements in recent days. The statewide stay-at-home order has been extended through April 26, and everyone has been encouraged to start wearing a cloth face covering or mask on those rare occasions when they must leave home. As always, the San Luis Valley does a great job of pulling together in a crisis, and people have been seen already implementing the new practice of covering their faces in public spaces. The public is called upon to continue to do their part to prevent the spread of illness, to be patient with one another, and to be creative in finding ways to support one another without leaving home.

The practices that have been encouraged early on are still important. Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, and keep your surroundings clean. When you clean, it is important to not mix cleaning products in order to get a stronger effect. Some combinations of common cleaning products may generate harmful gases. Some of those combinations of cleaning products can be deadly for not only you but others in your home.

It is important right now to be aware of scammers, whose calls and text messages often increase in times like these. They will attempt to get everything from your money to personal information in many ways, including, but not limited to posing as a charity, your utility company, offering bogus coronavirus testing and more. To protect yourself from scams, not only COVID-19 scams, the FCC offers the following tips:

• Do not respond to calls or texts from unknown numbers, or any others that appear suspicious.
• Never share your personal or financial information via email, text messages, or over the phone.
• Be cautious if you’re being pressured to share any information or make a payment immediately. Scammers often imitate other phone numbers to trick you into answering or responding.
• Remember that government agencies will never call you to ask for personal information or money.
• Do not click any links in a text message. If a friend sends you a text with a suspicious link that seems out of character, call them to make sure they weren’t hacked.
• Always check on a charity (for example, by calling or looking at its actual website) before donating.

This is a stressful time for all. If you are experiencing a crisis, please call 719-589-3671 or call the crisis hotline 1 (844) 493-TALK (8255). For after business hours assistance, please call 911 or the crisis hotline 1 (844) 493-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255 to receive mental health crisis support.

SLV COVID general questions 719-480-8719 for English, or 719- 315-5019 for Spanish. You may also email your questions to slvepr@ alamosacounty.org.

CO HELP line 1-877-462-2911 (English and Spanish) for Colorado general information.

Colorado updates and guidance: https://covid19.colorado.gov

CDC updates and guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus

Small Business - www.choosecolorado.com

Volunteer or Donate - www.helpcoloradonow.org