DATA

• Cases 315 
• Hospitalizations 13 (Up 1)
• Deaths 7 (Up 1)**

*These are cumulative totals as of 02/22/2022 4:00PM **Deaths in people with a recent positive COVID test.

• CASES PAST 7 days: 1 (0 vaccinated)
• CASES PAST 14 days: 2 (1 vaccinated)

Vaccinated means up to date (3 doses of Pfizer or Moderna or J&J with Pfizer,Moderna or J&J booster)

ALL hospitalizations and deaths in Kiowa County were in people who were not vaccinated.

TESTS

• This week’s percent positivity was 1.75, down from 11.76 percent last week. The goal is to remain below five percent.
• For outbreak information in Kiowa County see: https://covid19.colorado.gov/covid19-outbreak-data. It is updated on Wednesdays. KCPH will announce any outbreaks that put the public at increased risk.

VACCINE

• Moderna now joins Pfizer in achieving full FDA approval! The FDA approved Moderna on January 31.
• COVID VACCINE is available at the public health office for people age 5 and up! Please call 719-438-5782 to schedule your appointment. All 3 types of vaccine are available. Ask about the incentive program.
• All Coloradans 16 and older are now eligible for boosters.
• If you received Pfizer for your first two doses you should receive your booster dose as soon as 5 months after your second dose of vaccine
• If you received Moderna for your first two doses you should receive your booster dose as soon as 6 months after your second dose of vaccine
• If you received Johnson & Johnson for your initial dose, you should receive your booster dose as soon as two months after your first dose. Your booster should be Pfizer or Moderna.

TREATMENT

• Discuss treatments with your provider. Some of the Monoclonal Antibody products are not effective against omicron. Oral therapies are only available in very limited supply.
• NEW Monoclonal Antibody treatment! The FDA has issued Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for bebtelovimab for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kilograms, which is about 88 pounds) with a positive COVID-19 test, and who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death, and for whom alternative COVID-19 treatment options approved or authorized by the FDA are not accessible or clinically appropriate.

ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE

• The CDC shortened isolation after a positive COVID-19 test to 5 days as long as a well-fitting mask is worn for days 6-10 with return to normal activities thereafter.
• Stay in touch with your school for their most up to date policies. Children may resume school in most cases if they can wear a well-fitting mask to school for Days 6-10 of the isolation period. If a family does not want to mask or child is still ill, a 10-day isolation will be recommended.
• School guidance has been amended to work toward more normal management of COVID-19 positives. Please stay in touch with your schools for their policy changes. Positive cases will still be isolated though generally quarantine will be minimal. This is recommended to take effect on February 28, 2022 to allow for the continued decline of the Omicron wave.

TESTING

• Community testing is FREE! Call 719-438-5401 and ask for the lab. If you are having severe symptoms such as significant trouble breathing, etc. call 911.
• If you would like to opt in to free at home testing please see: https://covid19.colorado.gov/covid-19-testing-at-home
• The Federal Government is offering FREE tests (4 per household) program. You can order the tests at: https://www.covidtests.gov/

OTHER NEWS

• FREE MASKS AND TEST KITS! In support of the State of Colorado’s ongoing efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and assist in the mitigation of virus spread, the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) will offer KN95 and surgical grade masks for free at Kiowa County Public Library! Masks are limited to 5 per person per month. They also have free test kits. These are meant to be picked up so that you have them at home if you need them. The library is not a testing site, nor should sick people go there to test. KCPL hours: Saturday-Monday CLOSED; Tuesday-Thursday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
• Masks continue to be required on all public transportation. This is a federal requirement.
• A reminder about isolation and quarantine: If you are quarantined or placed in isolation this means staying home and not going ANYWHERE other than the doctor if you need to be treated or tested. No one should come over. KCPH and PCPHE can assist you with coordination of prescription pick-up, activities to help the kids not go stir crazy or get delivery for your groceries, etc. PLEASE STAY HOME! This is an effective way of containing the spread of COVID-19. Please help us keep our community safe!
• The most important thing you can do is continue to follow the guidance we have recommended from the beginning! Stay home if not feeling well, cover coughs and sneezes, wash hands frequently or use 60+% alcohol-based hand sanitizer, wear a mask/face covering to contain any respiratory droplets and stay at least 6 feet from others, especially if you are not vaccinated. Minimize gatherings.

Call 719-438-5782 or 719-336-8721 with questions. You can check https://covid19.colorado.gov for information or email pcphdirector@prowerscounty.net with any questions.