SAN LUIS VALLEY -
There are many questions about the State Dial for COVID-19, where our counties stand, and what this all means. As of 5pm today, November 18th, Alamosa, Conejos, and Costilla Counties are in Level Orange. The San Luis Valley counties that have NOT moved to Orange as of now are Mineral, Rio Grande, and Saguache. Boards of Health in those counties may be in varying stages of conversation internally and/or with CDPHE regarding possible level changes.
At Level Orange, masks should be worn in public, with the exception of small children and those with certain medical conditions. Personal gatherings should be limited to no more than 10 people from 2 households. Child care facilities and schools may continue to operate, with hybrid or remote learning as appropriate. Places of worship and restaurants should limit in-person attendance to 25% of capacity for the building, or 50 people, whichever is fewer. Offices may operate at 25% capacity, and should encourage work-from-home where possible. Under the Dial changes that go into effect Friday, critical and non-critical retail stores may operate at up to 50% capacity, with increased curbside pickup and delivery at Level Orange. Dedicated senior and at-risk hours are encouraged.
The State of Colorado has continued to refine the Dial that defines risk levels and corresponding restrictions. This Friday, a new color purple, will be added to the Dial to address a more extreme risk level than was included in the Dial previously.
There have been a total of 20 deaths among COVID cases and 84 local hospitalizations in the San Luis Valley. Individuals at risk of severe illness from COVID-19 remain advised to stay in their residence at all levels of the Dial. Pregnant individuals and individuals who smoke have been added to the list of those who are at risk of severe illness.
The SLV currently has 258 known active COVID-19 cases.
Alamosa County- 136
Conejos County - 30
Costilla County - 17
Mineral County - 3
Rio Grande County - 47
Saguache County - 25
Numbers are updated weekdays at https://www.slvphp.com/slv-regional-covid-dial/
TESTING
Costilla County will host a free, drive through community testing event on Friday, November 20th, at 8am - 11am at the Blanca Fort Garland Community Center (https://curative.com/sites/14147/walkup), and from 1:00 - 3:00 at Centennial School (https://curative.com/sites/14153/walkup).
Adams State University will hold a free community testing event on November 20 and 21. To pre-register please visit https://www.adams.edu/safe-return/testing.