Chaffee County Now Has 18 Positive Cases of COVID-19

COVID-19 by the numbers in Chaffee County for April 2nd, 2020.

Positive Cases (including probable): 18

As of yesterday afternoon, there were 2,627 cases, 414 hospitalizations, 47 counties impacted, 15,364 people tested, and 51 deaths related to COVID-19 in Colorado.

Recreation

Governor Polis encourages physical activity during this period of quarantine. However, recreation is a privilege that has been taken away in other communities. PLEASE follow these guidelines while recreating so we can continue to enjoy nature:

● PUBLIC LANDS OPEN ONLY TO RESIDENTS OF CHAFFEE COUNTY. Tourists are asked to return home under the Stay at Home orders.

● Practice social distancing on trails during COVID-19 Pandemic

● Go explore: You are STRONGLY encouraged to only recreate with people who live with you. If you are with anyone outside of your household, you must maintain proper social distancing the ENTIRE time.

● Do not congregate at base area or trailheads.

● Keep your distance: Stay 6 feet from all other trail users.

● No bathrooms: Use Leave No Trace practices.

● Come prepared: Have your own water, food and gear so you do not need to share.

● Wash your hands: Practice proper hygiene and sanitation.

● Take it easy: There is extremely limited medical support throughout Chaffee County.

● Have fun! Nature is good for the body, mind, and soul.

Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center

Current patients hospitalized with COVID-19: 1

Tests in ED: 53

Tests from inpatient, clinics, tent, employees, and providers: 90

Testing

Testing remains available to those who are symptomatic. Call your medical provider for a test. If you do not have a medical provider, contact Public Health, and we will connect you to be tested if you fit the criteria. However, there is an emphasis on testing symptomatic healthcare workers at the state-level.

Need help? Want to help?

Call the DHS Benefits Team at 719-530-2500. If you are suffering a sudden job loss and haven’t already applied for benefits you should do so ASAP. While their doors are locked, they can arrange for applications to go out as needed. There are drop boxes at both the North and South offices for you to leave paperwork for the application process. They will be checked regularly to ensure the process is as streamlined as possible. If you are wanting to make a donation, please call 719-530-2500 so the team can ensure donations are in line with the actual needs.

The Chaffee County Community Foundation is taking donations for a newly established EMERGENCY FUND. Community members looking to give locally in response the coronavirus please contact this group.

MANY other local and state resources can be found on our website. Check it out! http://www.chaffeecounty.org/Public-Health-Coronavirus

If you have not been financially impacted by this and have some money to spare, consider supporting our local small businesses through the Now This Is Love Auction.

Chaffee County Health Resources

Times like these are challenging in many ways: financially, physically and emotionally. Mental health is as important as physical health during a crisis. If you do not have a mental health provider that you have previously worked with, Solvista Health is available to do tele-health appointments with new clients. All new client referrals should be directed through our call center at 719-275-2351 to coordinate virtual enrollment into care.

Emotional Check-In Tool: Chaffee County Public Health has teamed up with Solvista Health to create a way to “check-in” with community members and see how they are doing during the Stay at Home order. Stay tuned for more information in the near future

If you are symptomatic, worsening and need medical care, please call your primary care physician. If it is the weekend, please call HRRMC Buena Vista Urgent Care or visit the HRRMC Blue Tent at the main HRRMC campus in Salida. If it is a medical emergency please call 911. All other questions, please call Public Health at 719-539-4510 and we will get back to you within 24 business hours. We ask that you do not show up to a testing location until you have called first.

Author
Recent Posts

Dan R

Danny “Dan R” Ridenour has been in radio and television broadcasting for over 40 years, starting as a senior in high school in Rogers, Arkansas. His radio career has had stops in Nashville, Memphis, Oklahoma, and eventually, Colorado. Dan enjoys being involved in the community, having been a member of the Upper Arkansas Service Club and is currently on the board of directors for the Salida Community Center and is a member of the Chaffee County Fair Committee. He and his wife Carrie spend their days doing everything the mountains have to offer: hiking, camping, fishing and skiing. They've raised 3 children and have 2 grandchildren.

Heart of the Rockies Radio