Chaffee County Public Health is reporting 36 new Covid-19 cases in the last 7 days, 82 in the last 14 days, for a two-week positivity rate of 6.12%.   

Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center currently has 2 Covid-19 patients and is operating at 48 percent capacity.   

Chaffee County Public Health will conduct a Covid-19 vaccination clinic next Tuesday in Buena Vista from noon to 3 pm at Sangre de Cristo Electric.   

The vaccination clinic is by appointment only.  Healthcare workers, first responders and people 65 and older can make an appointment at chaffeecounty-feb16.rsvpify.com.   

The clinic will be drive-thru.  Completed paperwork will be expected upon arrival.  Wear clothing that can easily be removed to administer a shot in the upper arm.  Expect to spend 30 minutes or more to complete the process.  Second dose appointments will be scheduled for March 16th.   

Frontline essential workers and Coloradans ages 16-64 with two or more high-risk conditions will be able to start getting vaccinated in early March.   

The online scheduler can be found at chaffeecounty.rsvpify.com.  If the scheduler is full, check back frequently.   

Walmart will begin vaccine distribution in 28 Colorado stores beginning tomorrow.   

The federal government partnered with Walmart in part, because of the many locations it has around the country.   

The Walmart stores in Alamosa and Canon City will be taking part in the vaccine distribution.  At this time, the Walmart in Salida will not be part of the vaccination program. 

To sign up for a vaccine at Walmart go to https://www.walmart.com/cp/1228302  

Chaffee County Public Health is offering a Lunch and Learn event February 25th to present the science behind the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.   

Chaffee County Public Health RN’s will answer your questions about the vaccines via a zoom presentation.  Send you questions in advance to rrice@chaffeecounty.org.   

Covid-19 testing continues in Chaffee County.    

For those looking to receive a Covid-19 test in the north end of the county, Valley-Wide Health Systems is offering testing Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm.       

Valley-Wide will bill your health insurance. However, if you are uninsured, the test is free.       

To register for a test in BV through Valley-Wide, call 719-395-8610, and choose the option to speak with a nurse.       

Testing in Salida remains Monday through Thursday at the Chaffee County Fairgrounds. Appointments for testing in Salida are now being make online. Make an appointment the day before testing is held by going to curative.com. 

Chaffee County Public Health has launched “Chaffee’s Got HEART.”  County residents are encouraged to take the pledge to follow the 5 commitments to containment:                 

  • Hang at home if sick.                     
  • Excel at hand washing.                     
  • Always wear a mask in public.                     
  • Respect social distancing.                      
  • Test if you have symptoms.