The Delta variant of the SARS CoV-2 virus has now been identified in Alamosa County. Last week we reported that it was found in Saguache and Conejos counties.
It is transmitted very easily among unvaccinated persons, and it is likely that it is present in additional San Luis Valley locations but has not yet been documented. Delta can even spread to vaccinated people, although vaccines protect against severe illness in most cases. Unvaccinated persons are most likely to get it, spread it, and get very sick from it. If you have not yet been vaccinated, please continue to wear a mask in public indoor spaces.
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Seventy-three percent of San Luis Valley residents above the age of 65 are fully vaccinated. Young people, who were not initially eligible for vaccines, are the group with the lowest COVID-19 vaccination rates at this time. The past year and a half has been very challenging for students and everyone involved with schools. Public health authorities strongly encourage families to get their eligible children ages 12 and up vaccinated to help them have a more normal school experience next year.
There are many opportunities for teens to get their vaccines. Youth ages 12 and up can get the Pfizer vaccine with parental consent. Pfizer is offered by mobile vaccine buses, public health agencies, and others. SLV Health recently began offering the vaccine through their pediatric clinic. For more information on local vaccine providers, see www.slvphp.com/vaccination or call 719-480-8719.
There are currently 57 known active cases of COVID-19 in the San Luis Valley.
- Alamosa County -22
- Conejos County – 8
- Costilla County -0
- Mineral County – 0
- Rio Grande County – 7
- Saguache County – 20
