Local healthcare providers have noted an increase in severity of COVID-19 illness, and data confirms this. There have been 18 fatalities reported among San Luis Valley residents who tested positive for the virus during the past 6 weeks. Since the beginning of the pandemic, about 43% of the 79 deaths among cases in our region have been due to COVID-19 based on death certificates.
Families who have lost a loved one to COVID-19 may apply for financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. A scam alert has been issued to make the public aware that FEMA will not call to reach out and register people for this program. You must initiate the application yourself by calling the FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number at 1-844-684-6333 or TTY 1-800-462-7585. The application is easy and those who answer the assistance line will help you through the process.
Vaccines are the best protection against severe COVID-19 illness. In the San Luis Valley, 18,099 residents are up-to-date with recommended vaccine doses, an increase of 603 from a week ago. Vaccines are available through local hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and public health agencies. If you need help finding a vaccine, go to www.slvphp.com/vaccination, or call 719-480-8719.
On Wednesday, June 16th the Mobile Vax bus will be at Centennial High School from 9am-noon; and at Main and Adams in Monte Vista from 2-4pm. For questions about COVID-19 vaccines, or to verify your vaccine record status, call 1-877-COVAXCO (1-877-268-2926).
COVID-19 testing is available through the providers listed below.
Rio Grande Hospital, 719-657-4990
SLV Health Respiratory Clinic, 719-589-3000 ext. 9
Valley-Wide Health Systems, 719-589-3658 ext. 4 (M-F), 719-589-2562 (Sa/Su)
There are currently 76 known active cases of COVID-19 in the San Luis Valley.
Alamosa County - 26
Conejos County - 20
Costilla County -2
Mineral County - 0
Rio Grande County - 6
Saguache County - 22