Mask-Use Study To Start This Week
A local observational study is slated to begin Wednesday to evaluate the implementation of public health prevention measures with mask use as the proxy. A collection of staff and volunteers from throughout the Gunnison Valley will be calculating mask compliance at specific sites and times on Wednesdays and Saturdays (e.g., high-traffic businesses, post office). The data will be generalized and won’t break out detail of any specific business or location; instead, it will be defined by region (e.g., Gunnison mask compliance, Crested Butte mask compliance).
The mask-use study is for data collection and not intended for enforcement purposes, but rather for an understanding of general compliance.
Virtual Town Hall Skips a Week
We did not conduct our virtual town hall Monday, Aug. 3. We will pick it back up on Monday, Aug. 10. You can preregister on Zoom for the meeting on Aug. 10 here.
Positives and Indicator Updates
In the period from July 12-25, we had 48 positive test results come in. That 14-day average positivity is at 19.2%. We continue to meet two indicators for a move to yellow (three of seven criteria must be met). No other indicators have been met at this time.
We tested nine patients today at the Screening Site. Twice as many patients were unable to attend their scheduled screening because of an accident this morning on Colorado Highway 135. We are looking to reschedule those missed tests as soon as possible.
While our healthcare system is busy locally and across the Western Slope (with no COVID-19 health issues), we do still have capacity. We currently don’t have any patients at the hospital with COVID-19. The other indicators that would move us to yellow are around our ability to give care. Thus far, we are in strong standing.
Overall, we have seen 196 positive tests so far with 1,305 negative tests. Sixty tests are pending.
For more information about test data, visit the Gunnison County COVID-19 Dashboard. (The By The Numbers webpage on covid19.gunnisoncounty.org is experiencing some techincial issues; we are working on a fix.)
Call Center: 970-641-7660
Here is an infographic of the Call Center call tree.
The Call Center will be operating 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Monday-Friday. For those needing assistance outside of those hours, please leave a message. There will also be someone monitoring the callcenter@gunnisoncounty.org email.
Screening Site
The Screening Site is located at Gunnison Valley Health on Monday through Saturday starting at 9 a.m. Testing requires an appointment ahead of time. The Call Center is only open Monday-Friday. If you are seeking a test on Saturday, you will have to have a prior appointment.
The Screening Site is located in the large north entrance parking lot and operates out of a shed. We ask that you please contact the Call Center in advance to schedule an appointment at 970-641-7660.
Delivery Assistance Update
Prescription deliveries will be scheduled any day of the week, but they will only be delivered on Tuesday and Friday.
We ask that you only use this service if you are at risk and self-isolating at home, ill with COVID-19 symptoms, or quarantined and need groceries or prescriptions delivered to your home. The Gunnison Senior Transportation Dispatch will now be fielding calls at 970-641-7959.
Deliveries are made by drivers trained to handle your order safely and are available throughout the valley, five days a week, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Importance of Self-Reporting
One of the best tools to provide early warnings of spread in the community is to self-report as symptomatic. If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, even if they are mild, please self-report and isolate yourself.