The Delta variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been identified in Saguache and Conejos counties.
It is possible, although not yet confirmed, that Delta is also present in other San Luis Valley counties. The Delta Variant accounts for about 40% of all new COVID-19 cases in Colorado, and that is expected to rise.
Variants of concern have increased transmissibility and increased severity of illness. Delta is more transmissible, meaning it spreads more easily. If you are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, there is the possibility of COVID-19 again moving quickly through our community. If you are fully vaccinated, this is your best protection against sickness.
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If you have possible symptoms of COVID-19, get tested. While you are waiting for test results, isolate yourself in order to avoid exposing others. If you have been exposed to someone with the virus, follow quarantine instructions. For testing, call one of these providers:
- Rio Grande Hospital: (719) 657-4990
- SLV Health Respiratory Clinic: (719) 589-3000 ext. 9
- Valley-Wide Health Systems: (719) 589-3658 ext. 4 (M-F), (719) 589-2562 (Saturday & Sunday)
In the San Luis Valley, 18,686 people have been fully vaccinated. Of those, about 50-60 people have had a “breakthrough” case, which means they got COVID-19 in spite of the vaccine. This is to be expected since vaccines do not provide a 100% guarantee, and the numbers we are seeing continue to fall within what we would expect to see. However, vaccines do greatly reduce the risk of illness, especially severe illness, even with variants of the virus. Hospitalizations are rare in breakthrough cases. There are over 23,000 eligible Valley residents who have not yet received a first dose of the vaccine.
There are currently 76 known active cases of COVID-19 in the San Luis Valley.
- Alamosa County – 21
- Conejos County – 26
- Costilla County -1
- Mineral County – 0
- Rio Grande County – 13
- Saguache County – 15
