For the seven-day period between 10/17/21 – 10/24/21 there were 20 Gunnison County residents who tested positive for COVID-19. In total, 24 positive cases were identified in the County during the same span. Overall, case rates in Gunnison County continue to decline. To better understand current case counts in relationship to the duration of the pandemic, please see the graphic from CDPHE below. This graphic shows daily case counts across the course of the pandemic.

Despite regional and statewide challenges with hospital capacity, Gunnison Valley Health continues to see individuals with COVID-19 and is able to treat them appropriately based on their level of illness. Statewide, hospitalizations for COVID-19 are at the highest rate seen December 2020. Currently, more than 1,100 individuals are hospitalized with COVID-19.

Gunnison County recognizes the recent death of another resident due to COVID-19. Last week, Health and Human Services received confirmation that a male in his mid-70s died of COVID-19 complications in an out-of-county hospital. Acknowledging the death, Public Health Director Joni Reynolds noted “We are saddened by the loss of another long-time member of our Gunnison Community. We know individual loses cause a ripple in our small community and we offer condolences to all impacted.” This marks the 13th death of a county resident due to COVID-19.

Current statewide data from CDPHE shows that fully-vaccinated individuals are 3.3x less likely to become a COVID-19 case and 5.2x less likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19.

On October 21, the CDC finalized guidance and recommendations for booster shots of Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccine. This means that boosters are now widely available for all three COVID-19 vaccines. Booster doses can be obtained where COVID-19 vaccines are available.  

One important aspect of the guidance is that individuals can choose which booster dose they would like to receive. People DO NOT need to receive the same type of vaccine as their original dose.

The finalized guidance is consistent with eligibility guidelines established for the Pfizer boosters that are currently being delivered. Boosters are available under an Emergency Use Authorization for individuals at risk due to age, health conditions, employment or living situations. Any person who identifies as being at risk can receive a booster vaccination. 

Those who received a two-dose series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six-months ago can receive a booster. Individuals who received a dose of Johnson & Johnson at least two-months ago are also eligible to receive a booster as well. The State of Colorado encourages those who received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine to receive a booster of any COVID-19 vaccine.

Gunnison County will run a booster clinic with Pfizer vaccine on 10/26/21. This clinic will offer both flu vaccine and Pfizer booster doses. Again, a Pfizer booster is available for anyone who completed a two-dose series (six-months ago) or a single shot of Johnson & Johnson (two-months ago).

  • Tuesday, 10/26/21 @ Fred Field from 4:30-6:30pm

If you plan to attend a vaccine clinic, please bring documentation of vaccination and wear a mask. Those accessing the clinic must be able to provide documentation of their previous COVID-19 vaccinations. Additional information can be found on the Vaccine Resources page.

Current CDC guidance indicates flu and COVID-19 vaccines can safely be administered simultaneously to those who are eligible. Gunnison County also encourages residents six months and older to get a seasonal flu vaccine.

Easily accessible COVID-19 testing continues through a partnership with GVH. Individuals can now schedule their own testing slot online through GVH. If you would like to schedule a test you can complete the process at this web address https://my.primary.health/l/gvh. Additionally, the testing site is also taking walk/drive-ups on an as needed basis.

To schedule testing over-the-phone, please utilize the Call Center (970-641-3244) from 8am – 3pm. The Call Center can also address additional questions about COVID-19 vaccination, booster doses, and other questions.

As of 10/25/21 more than 79% of eligible Gunnison County residents have received at-least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Statewide, Gunnison County continues to be amongst the counties with the highest vaccination rates.

Based on updated data and analysis, the CDC now also ‘strongly recommends’ that pregnant people should seek COVID-19 vaccinations. Individuals who are pregnant are at a higher risk for significant complications from COVID-19 infection.

It’s important for all county residents to continue to take actions to protect themselves as 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.
  • 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.
  • Wash your hands frequently and avoid contact with your face, especially eyes and mouth. 

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