In a welcome continuation of last week’s trend, more local residents have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and fewer residents are sick with the virus than there were a week ago.

Although our current numbers would still place us in Level Yellow with some elevated risk if the Dial was still in place, things seem to be moving in the right direction. Because our region is still at elevated risk, public health authorities continue to recommend taking precautions in public indoor spaces if you have not yet been vaccinated.

There are currently 104 known active cases of COVID-19 in the San Luis Valley. Active case counts and other data are being updated weekdays at https://www.slvphp.com/slv-regional-covid-dial. 

  • Alamosa County – 60
  • Conejos County – 19
  • Costilla County -5
  • Mineral County – 0
  • Rio Grande County – 15
  • Saguache County – 5

In the San Luis Valley, 17,189 residents are up-to-date with recommended vaccine doses.

COVID-19 vaccines are being offered at no cost by 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. 

The CDPHE vaccine bus will offer Janssen and Pfizer vaccines for ages 12 and up in Del Norte on Thursday, June 3, 10am-1pm at Simple Foods Market, and then at Town Hall, South Fork between 2pm-6pm. On Friday, June 4, the bus will be in front of the Rio Grande County Courthouse between 10am-6pm. Mobile vaccine clinic information can be found at www.mobilevax.us/southwest. 

Free COVID-19 testing will be available this Friday, June 4, from 11:00 am – 1:30 pm at the  Antonito Town Hall.

Colorado’s Public Health Order regarding masking was updated over the weekend. The new order requires face coverings for those age 12 and above who are unvaccinated or not yet fully vaccinated in the following settings: 

  • Preschool through grade 12 schools, child care centers, and camps, except while participating in outdoor activities
  • Department of Motor Vehicles offices
  • Prisons
  • Healthcare settings

Limited exceptions and other details may be found in the 3rd Amended Public Health Order 20-38. 

While we have all been looking forward to moving out of COVID restrictions, transitions aren’t always easy, and this is a big one. You don’t have to do it alone. 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.