(Courtesy photo).

SAN LUIS VALLEY — The Easter weekend brought few changes to report, with no changes in the numbers. As the stay at home order continues, it is important to continue practicing social distancing, maintaining a distance of 6 feet or more from others and wearing a cloth mask when you must go out for an essential errand like your weekly grocery trip. If you work in critical infrastructure like agriculture or at the grocery store, practice social distancing to every extent possible and take extra steps to keep yourself safe like wearing a mask. You can use a bandana, a mask sewn at home by you or a friend, or even just cut an old t-shirt. Ways to make your own mask at home can be found at coloradomaskproject.org. Kids over the age of 2 should also be wearing masks if there isn’t another option, such as a grocery trip with a single parent. Wearing a cloth mask can help slow the spread of COVID-19, they do not provide 100% safety from transmission. It is important to wash your hands, follow the stay-at-home orders and adhere to the social distancing guidelines.

During this time it is as important as ever to follow the direction of your primary care provider and this includes taking medication as prescribed. There is a practice among some in the community of not taking medication as prescribed in an attempt to “save it” should the pharmacy close. The pharmacies will remain open, not impacting your ability to refill your medication. You can also utilize a mail service to refill medications to reduce the need to go out and these services can be set up so medications are delivered on a regular basis according to your prescription. It is important that you continue to take your medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider. If you need to visit with a healthcare provider, telehealth options may now be available, you can check with your healthcare provider to find out if they are offering this service.

This is a stressful time for everyone, staying home without personal contact with loved ones can be difficult. Take time to video chat with a friend or a group of friends over coffee, or give a family member a call to check-in. Although we are socially distancing, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be visiting and reaching out to others through the many digital resources available. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 719-589-3671 or call the crisis hotline 1 (844) 493-TALK (8255). After business hours, please call 911 or the crisis hotline 1 (844) 493-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255.

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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

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