SAN LUIS VALLEY - The Thursday report shows that 15,878 San Luis Valley residents have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and the recent increase in interest in vaccination appears to be continuing, which is positive news in our battle against the virus. 

The bad news is that San Luis Valley continues to have a high rate of COVID-19 illness, and our health care partners report that they are seeing younger people with severe COVID-19. Our region’s 7-day average for ICU bed usage is 93%, a number that is concerning and is one indicator of the stress that is being felt by our healthcare system. Because of the high rate of virus and illness in our region, local public health authorities continue to advise the use of masks and other precautions in indoor public spaces, especially if you have not yet been vaccinated. If you have COVID-19 be sure to stay away from others during your isolation period. If you have had close contact with someone who has it, and you have not yet been vaccinated, follow quarantine by staying away from other people until your quarantine period is over. 

There were 216 known active cases of COVID-19 in the San Luis Valley as of Thursday. Active case counts and other data are being updated weekdays at https://www.slvphp.com/slv-regional-covid-dial. 

* Alamosa County - 108

* Conejos County - 47

* Costilla County - 20

* Mineral County - 4

* Rio Grande County - 24

* Saguache County - 13

VACCINES

See www.slvphp.com to sign up online with one of our local vaccine providers (hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and public health agencies). Special opportunities coming up in various locations are listed below: 

* Garcia Colorado 101 Cafe, Friday May 21st 9am-12noon CDPHE vaccine bus with J&J and Pfizer, ages 12+

* Blanca/ Fort Garland Community Center, Friday May 21st 2pm-5pm CDPHE vaccine bus with J&J and Pfizer, ages 12+

* Centennial School San Luis, Wednesday May 26st 9am-12noon CDPHE vaccine bus with J&J and Pfizer, ages 12+

* Adams State Plachy Hall, Tuesday May 25, 1pm-7pm, CDPHE vaccine bus with J&J and Pfizer, ages 12+

* Adams Street/Main Street, Monte Vista, Wednesday May 26, 2pm-4pm, CDPHE vaccine bus with J&J and Pfizer, ages 12 and above

* Simple Foods Market, Del Norte, Thursday June 3, 10am - 6pm, CDPHE vaccine bus with J&J and Pfizer, ages 12 and above

* Rio Grande County Courthouse, Del Norte, Friday June 4, 10am-6pm, CDPHE vaccine bus with J&J and Pfizer, ages 12 and above

* RGC Del Norte Annex (besides the Courthouse), Wednesday (5/26) and Friday (5/28),  9am-3:30pm, Moderna vaccine, ages 18 and above

* CANCELLED: Hooper Town Hall, Friday May 21st

TESTING

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, call to be screened for testing. 

* 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)

Additional FREE testing opportunity Friday, May 28, 11am-2pm at Conejos County Public Health, 19023 Hwy 285 in La Jara.  For quickest service, pre-register at www.affinityecarecolorado.com.