COVID-19 SITUATION UPDATE

Gunnison County COVID-19 positive tests continue at an increased level for the past three weeks.  Over the time frame, cases have averaged 30/week, compared to 7-10 cases/week during previous weeks over the course of the summer.  The cases are inclusive of County year-round residents, visitors and part-time residents.   The Delta variant is spreading in Gunnison County, the western Slope, Colorado and nationally.  The Delta variant is now the predominant variant in Colorado.  The Delta variant is more contagious than previous variants and spreads more readily from person to person.  The exposure risks for the recent local cases are varied including unvaccinated individuals, recent travel, recent attendance at a large gathering, household or close contact and other risk factors. Some individuals have been admitted to Gunnison Valley Health and other hospitals due to their illness and are being treated. 

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) have authorized a booster dose of the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines for immunocompromised individuals.   The booster dose is specifically recommended for individuals who have:

  • Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
  • Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
  • Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
  • Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
  • Advanced or untreated HIV infection
  • Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response

Community members who need additional information on the booster dose recommendations can check online at:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/vaccines/recommendations/immuno.html or call Health & Human Services (HHS) at 641-3244. 

Gunnison County residents have been successful in the COVID-19 response on many levels.   Vaccination levels across Gunnison county are greater than 70% and many individuals have taken important steps to protect themselves and their families.  It’s important for all county residents to continue to take actions to protect individuals and the larger community including: 

  • Get vaccinated if you are eligible (ages 12 years and older), be sure to complete the entire vaccination series.
  • Assure best ventilation for all interactions including, outdoor spaces, outdoor air circulation and air filtration as needed.
  • Wash your hands frequently and avoid contact with your face, especially eyes and mouth. 
  • Monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, isolate if you experience symptoms.   Stay home if you are sick and away from others as much as possible. 
  • Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
  • Wear a mask if unvaccinated in all indoor settings, especially where distancing is not possible.   The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends all persons (regardless of vaccination status) wear a mask in indoor settings.

Please visit: https://covid19.gunnisoncounty.org/ for information on where to obtain a COVID-19 vaccination or testing.