Public Health update on COVID-19

SAN LUIS VALLEY — We strongly encourage everyone to continue to do their best to avoid physical contact with other people at this time. We believe the virus that causes COVID-19 is present here. Positive test results have been confirmed in the nearby counties of Hinsdale and Chaffee.

The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed us all in difficult ways. We are doing things differently. Local waste-water treatment centers and plumbing professionals are requesting the public NOT flush wipes in the sewer system as they are beginning to clog infrastructure. If it’s not toilet paper, do not flush it. Other paper products like paper towels, sanitizing wipes, baby wipes, “flushable wipes,” feminine products were not designed to be flushed. Local waste-water treatment centers and plumbing professionals have found that these products are beginning to clog the pipes. If you’re using an alternative to toilet paper, toss it in a trash bag, seal it and dispose of it properly. Please help us all keep our sewer pipes flowing.

With the flood of information coming in through the news, we want to remind everyone to take care of themselves and manage what, for many people, is a very stressful situation. Remember that communities and governments are working hard to get through this together. Every day we are seeing new state and federal actions aimed at trying to minimize financial hardships related to asking everyone to stay home.

Remember to take some deep breaths. Eat well and get plenty of sleep. Limit your news and social media and focus on your family, read a good book, watch a comedy. We have opened a new phone line at (719) 480-8719 for general COVID-19 related information for the San Luis Valley. It is staffed by volunteers who can help callers find accurate information. The line will be open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please be patient as we get this line off the ground and learn what information our callers are looking for. Callers will not be able to get medical advice or referrals at this number.

As always, call 911 only if you are having a medical emergency. If you or someone in your household is having symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath), call your doctor. Or, you can call one of the nurse lines set up by SLV Health or Rio Grande Hospital. Those numbers are as follows; SLV Health: 719-589-2511 ext 9, or Rio Grande Hospital 719-657-4990. 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


Video News