For the seven-day period between 1/23/22-1/29/22 a total of 70 confirmed cases were identified in Gunnison County. In addition, 22 probable cases were identified across the community.
| Confirmed Cases in Gunnison County | Probable Cases in Gunnison County |
| 70 | 22 |
For three weeks in a row, case counts have continued to decline at a substantial rate. From the week prior, the confirmed case counts reported here represent a reduction of approximately 64%. If case counts continue on this trend through the next two weeks, overall rates will begin to approach the numbers seen throughout most of the fall.
While supplies lasts and demand continues, Gunnison County Libraries will be distributing high-quality masks free to the community through a partnership with the State of Colorado. Additionally, masks are now available at the visitor centers throughout the valley in partnership with the Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce and the Crested Butte/Mt. Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce. 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.
In addition to utilizing masks when transmission is elevated, our community should continue to monitor for symptoms, stay home/isolating when sick, and get vaccinated.
If you, or members of your household, 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.
Across the community our primary care providers and Gunnison Valley Health continue to provide care to those who with more severe illness from COVID-19. Additionally, as part of a planning process that occurs every three years, GVH is conducting a Community Health Needs Assessment. The assessment asks for your perspective on health needs in the community and how you access those services. You can complete the survey here in English or Spanish. More information below.
The community testing site continues operations at the S. 14th Street location. Testing is available Monday through Thursday from 9am-4pm. On Friday, testing will continue from 8am-11am.
Please note, that with the overnight low temperatures throughout the week, it is quite likely that the start of testing will continue to be delayed periodically. We advise you to check the weather forecast before scheduling or heading over for a morning time test. A reminder that appointments for testing can be scheduled at https://my.primary.health/l/gvh.
Rapid antigen tests are now available for all U.S. households through the federal government. You can request tests through a quick order form at https://www.covidtests.gov/. For those with limited challenges accessing the internet, you can call 1-800-232-0233 or TTY 1-888-720-7489.
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 test with a BinaxNOW test, we ask that you please report the result – particularly if it is positive – through https://covidbinax.colorado.gov.
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. Individuals 12 and older who received a primary vaccine series of Pfizer or Moderna with the second-dose five months ago are encouraged to get a booster. Those who received Johnson & Johnson can receive a booster dose after two months.
This week, the CDPHE mobile unit will be back in Gunnison County for three days on February, 4th, 5th, and 6th. The Bus will start the weekend at Western Colorado University before moving up-valley to the Crested Butte Community School and will close the weekend in the Community Banks of Colorado parking lot in Gunnison on Sunday. Appointments are recommended, but are not required. More information on the CDPHE mobile unit schedule can be found on the Vaccine Resources page.
Current statewide data from CDPHE shows that fully-vaccinated individuals are 7x less likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19 and 15.9x 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:
- Get vaccinated if you are eligible (ages 5 years and older), be sure to complete the entire vaccination series.
- Get a booster if you are eligible! Boosters limit the potential for severe illness from COVID-19.
- Wear a mask in all indoor settings, this is particularly important in large indoor gatherings.
- Limit Exposures, try to avoid large, indoor gatherings with folks you don’t know or where vaccination status is unknown.
- Assure best ventilation for all interactions including, outdoor spaces, outdoor air circulation and air filtration as needed.
- Monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, isolate if you experience symptoms. Stay home if you are sick.
- Get tested if you have any COVID-19 symptoms. Many vaccinated individuals experience very mild symptoms that could be overlooked.
- Wash your hands frequently and avoid contact with your face, especially eyes and mouth.
For more information on where to obtain a COVID-19 vaccination or testing, please visit: https://covid19.gunnisoncounty.org.