Chaffee County Public Health is reporting that there are now 21 cases of COVID-19 in the county.
The second death of a Chaffee County resident due to COVID-19 occurred Wednesday night at Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center.
She was an 87-year-old resident of Columbine Manor.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that an El Paso County deputy has died form complications due to COVID-19.
The sheriff’s office identified the deputy as 41-year-old Jeff Hopkins.
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office also confirms that at least six deputies are suspected to have the coronavirus.
Custer County is reporting its first case of COVID-19
Lake County Public Health is reporting 2 positive cases of COVID-19.
Saguache County has 1 case.
Fremont County has 2 positive cases.
Gunnison County is reporting 82 positive cases of COVID-19.
Statewide today, 97 deaths have been confirmed, 710 hospitalized as cases total more than 3,700 in 51 of Colorado’s 64 counties. There are 21 outbreaks at residential and non-hospital health care facilities in the state, including Columbine Manor. There are 8 positive cases at Columbine, consisting of residents and staff. Chaffee County Public Health is working closely with the state department of health and Columbine Staff to control this outbreak.
Chaffee County Public Health is proclaiming that Chaffee County is NOT open for visitors, tourism, or leisure at this time.
Public lands are open only to residents of Chaffee County. Tourists are asked to return home under the Stay at Home orders.
Physical activity is encouraged during this time of quarantine. However, recreation is a privilege that has been taken away in other communities. Please follow the guidelines while recreating.
Practice social distancing on trails.
Recreate with only people who live with you.
Do not congregate at base area or trailheads.
Use Leave No Trace practices.
Come prepared. Have your own water, food and gear so you do not need to share.
Take it easy. There is extremely limited medical support available.
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 they will connect you to be tested if you fit the criteria.
Times like these are challenging in many ways: financially, physically and emotionally.
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. If you do not have a mental health provider, Solvista is available to do tele-health appointments. Call 719-275-2351.
Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center is currently accepting donations of personal protection equipment in the form of N-95 or P-95 masks, isolation gowns, goggles, plastic face shields, bleach and disinfectant wipes labeled for Human Coronavirus and SARS, and had sanitizer.
Donations are being accepted at the entrance of the hospital, Outpatient Pavilion, Salida Health Center on Highway 50, and the Buena Vista Health Center.
There is no current need from the community for hand-made masks at this time.
HRRMC is preparing for potential increased patient volume in coming weeks.
Additional space is being allocated and arranged. Given only urgent and emergency surgeries are being performed, the same day surgery unit has been reconfigured to create space for 14 additional beds. Other areas of the hospital are also being considered for reconfiguration.
The state remains under a ‘Stay-at-Home’ order.
The order is meant to stem the spread of the coronavirus by minimizing contact between residents to the greatest extent possible.
You are allowed to leave your homes to get essential items and to exercise, however, when you leave your home, you should at all times comply with social distancing requirements, which is to maintain a distance of 6 feet from one another.
Government buildings remain closed to the public. You are asked to conduct business online, by mail or by phone.
If you need help during this time call the state helpline at 211, go online to 211colorado or call the Chaffee County Department of Human Services at 530-2500. If you are suffering a sudden job loss and haven’t already applied for benefits you should do so as soon as possible.
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