Chaffee County Public Health has released new COVID-19 numbers for the county. The cumulative total of positive cases has risen to 124.
The numbers break down like this: possible community cases-30, Columbine cases-56, Buena Vista Department of Corrections-38, and out of county cases-12 (these cases include people who were tested in Chaffee County but do not have physical addresses in Chaffee County. They could be tourists or live in a neighboring county but live or work in Chaffee)
Many residents were concerned about the large uptick in cases over the weekend. A majority of new cases are related to the outbreak at the Buena Vista Correctional Complex. However, we did have 4 new community members test positive since last week. Case investigations and exposure notification has begun. All cases are recovering from home and none required hospitalization.
The last week and a half has shown us that Chaffee County does have some level of community transmission of COVID-19. Currently our systems (medical and public health) are not overwhelmed by the new cases, but it is still important to continue to follow these guidelines: maintain 6 feet of distance, wash hands, wear a face covering in public and stay at home when sick.
The Buena Vista Correctional Complex remains under lockdown as testing continues. So far, 1,085 inmates have been tested with 36 positive cases and some results pending. Two staff members at the prison have tested positive.
