For the seven-day period between 1/9/22-1/15/22 a total of 302 confirmed cases were identified in Gunnison County. In addition, 44 probable cases were identified across the community. With the continued high-levels of case counts, it is important to note that Gunnison County Public Health is unable to reach everyone in the case investigation process. This limits the ability to adequately confirm the totals of residents versus non-residents receiving a positive result in Gunnison County.
| Confirmed Cases in Gunnison County | Probable Cases in Gunnison County |
| 302 | 44 |
These totals represent a substantial reduction in confirmed cases from the week prior, however it remains too early to tell whether this is indicative of a broader trend. Gunnison County Public Health continues to closely monitor the trajectory of cases in our community moving forward.
With the continued case load, our public health nurses will not be able to reach everyone who tests positive in the community. If you are sick and have questions about an underlying health condition, managing your illness, isolating appropriately, or you have additional needs do not hesitate to call 970-641-3244 and ask for a public health nurse. If your symptoms worsen, please contact a health care professional.
You can also continue to complete a digital case investigation by visiting https://covid19.gunnisoncounty.org/community-resources/having-symptoms/.
While community transmission continues, it is strongly recommended that individuals minimize their own risk and exposure to Coronavirus. This includes avoiding large gatherings, wearing a mask that fits tightly while indoors, monitoring for symptoms, staying home/isolating when sick, and getting vaccinated.
With the high transmissibility of the Omicron variant, the CDC recommends that individuals try to use a higher quality mask. The most effective masks are N95 or KN95 masks, followed by surgical/procedure masks, and then a multi-layered cloth mask. While KN95 or N95 masks provide the most protection, individuals are encouraged to utilize the facial covering they are most likely to wear effectively – over the nose and with a tight-fit to the face.
As of this week, the hours at the community COVID-19 testing site have changed. Monday through Thursday testing will run from 9am-4pm. On Friday, testing will continue from 8am-11am. With the altered schedule and improved heating and infrastructure at the site, we hope to have less delayed starts in the future. If temperatures are below zero degrees Fahrenheit, the opening of the test site will be delayed.
With the improved access of the S. 14th testing site, this will remain the location of the community testing site for the foreseeable future.
A reminder that appointments for testing can be scheduled at https://my.primary.health/l/gvh.
Many individuals are able to test at home with a rapid antigen test (BinaxNOW). If you test with a BinaxNOW test, we ask that you please report the result – particularly if it is positive – through https://covidbinax.colorado.gov. With the increased use of rapid antigen tests at home, we offer a reminder to our community about properly utilizing these tests. Rapid antigen tests, like a BinaxNOW, are meant to be used in sequence. For example, BinaxNOW tests are designed to used twice in a 36-hour span with at least 24 hours in between.
If you do contract COVID-19, the CDC isolation guidelines allow you to leave isolation after 5 days if symptoms are resolving. Symptom resolution means that you no longer have symptoms – if you have been experiencing fever, you must be fever free for 24 hours and your other symptoms should be improved. Those leaving isolation after 5 days must wear a mask in public for an additional five days.
While Omicron is highly infectious, boosters have been shown to help restore protection against infection and serious illness. With that in mind, Gunnison County encourages those who are eligible and have not yet received a booster to consider receiving one.
The guidelines for booster eligibility can be found on our Vaccine Resources page.
For individuals five and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, there is specific guidance for receiving an additional dose and booster. That guidance can be found here. We encourage those who are immunocompromised to consult with a primary care provider about their continued vaccination needs.
Current statewide data from CDPHE shows that fully-vaccinated individuals are 11.7x less likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19 and 12.9x less likely to die from COVID-19.
While we all continue to work through this period of the pandemic, Gunnison County strongly recommends the tactics we have come to know well:
For more information on where to obtain a COVID-19 vaccination or testing, please visit: https://covid19.gunnisoncounty.org.