SAN LUIS VALLEY —  COVID-19 illness continues to impact relatively young, unvaccinated people in the San Luis Valley. Case numbers have begun to decline, but a significant number of unvaccinated COVID-19 patients continue to need emergency room and inpatient hospital care. 

More than 19,500 SLV residents aged 12 and up remain unvaccinated, leaving a large pool of individuals among whom the SARS-CoV-2 virus can easily spread. Variants also contribute to  transmissibility and severity of illness. Variants that have been identified here are B.1.1.7 and B.1.427/B.1.429. Public health authorities continue to recommend taking precautions in public indoor spaces if you have not yet been vaccinated. 

Public Health has investigated multiple outbreaks recently that highlight that a person can unintentionally expose others to the virus if they continue to go to work or social activities when they have mild symptoms that feel similar to allergies or other illnesses. Contrary to popular belief, fever and/or loss of taste and smell do not need to be present to diagnose COVID-19. Among the symptoms that may be present are fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, or diarrhea. If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, please get tested. 

A rapid testing bus will offer free COVID-19 testing at Otto Mears Park in Saguache on June 9 from 10am-2pm. Testing is also available through the providers listed below.

* Rio Grande Hospital, 719-657-4990

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

* Valley-Wide Health Systems, 719-589-3658 ext. 4 (M-F), 719-589-2562 (Sa/Su)

There were 83 known active cases of COVID-19 in the San Luis Valley as of Tuesday. 

* Alamosa County - 42

* Conejos County - 12

* Costilla County -2

* Mineral County - 0

* Rio Grande County - 16

* Saguache County - 11

In the San Luis Valley, 17,496 residents are up-to-date with recommended vaccine doses, an increase of 307 from a week ago. Free COVID-19 vaccines are available at pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, public health agencies, and the state vaccine bus. See www.slvphp.com for a list of providers, which vaccines are being offered, and scheduling information.

If it is difficult for you to leave home and you would like to get a vaccine, reach out to your public health office to see what options are available. Additional mobile vaccine events are listed here: 

* Wed, 6/9: La Jara, Family Dollar, 217 Spruce St, 11am-7pm

* Thurs, 6/10 AM: Hooper Junction Store, Hwy 17, across from the Post Office; 9am-12pm

* Thurs, 6/10 PM: Alamosa, Boyd Park, 410 12th St, 2-7 pm

* Friday, 6/11: Blanca/Fort Garland Community Center, 1-7pm

For questions about COVID-19 vaccines, or to verify your vaccine record status, call 1-877-COVAXCO (1-877-268-2926). 

If you are feeling stress related to COVID-19, the Colorado Spirit Crisis Counseling Program can help. Services include individual and group counseling, stress management, community education, and resources and referral. Call (719) 480-2650 for more information.