DATA

• Cases 260
• Hospitalizations 9
• Deaths 4**

*These are cumulative totals as of 12/07/2021 4pm **Deaths in people with a recent positive COVID test.

• CASES PAST 7 days: 9 (0 vaccinated)
• CASES PAST 14 days: 15 (0 vaccinated)

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

TESTS

This week’s percent positivity was 4.55 percent, up from 2.38 percent last week. The goal is to remain below five percent. Get tested if exposed or if you have symptoms.

• There are no active outbreaks 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.

TREATMENT

Monoclonal Antibody Therapy

The following medical conditions or other factors may place adults and pediatric patients (age 12-17 years and weighing at least 40 kg) at higher risk for progression to severe COVID-19:

• Older age (≥65 years of age).
• Obesity or being overweight (adults with BMI >25 kg/m, or if age 12-17, have BMI ≥85^th percentile for their age and gender based on CDC growth charts).
• Pregnancy.
• Chronic kidney disease.
• Diabetes.
• Immunosuppressive disease or immunosuppressive treatment.
• Cardiovascular disease (including congenital heart disease) or hypertension.
• Chronic lung diseases (for example, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma [moderate-to-severe], interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension).
• Sickle cell disease.
• Neurodevelopmental disorders (for example, cerebral palsy) or other conditions that confer medical complexity (for example, genetic or metabolic syndromes and severe congenital anomalies).
• Having a medical-related technological dependence (for example, tracheostomy, gastrostomy, or positive pressure ventilation not related to COVID-19).

Monoclonal antibody treatments are not indicated for use on those who are hospitalized, on oxygen for COVID-19 treatment, or require an increase in baseline oxygen flow rate due to COVID-19. They are free though the facility may charge for a visit or an administration fee. Ask before receiving the treatment.

Oral therapy

Antiviral oral medication will soon be available. Processes are underway to best determine eligibility for these therapies due to some people with certain conditions not being good candidates for the therapy.

VACCINE

• 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 18 and older are now eligible for boosters due to the high incidence rate of COVID-19. Please call to get your booster!
• If you received Pfizer or Moderna for your first two doses you should receive your booster dose at least six months after your second dose of vaccine, no matter what vaccine product you receive as a booster.
• If you received Johnson & Johnson for your initial dose, you should receive your booster dose at least two months after your first dose, no matter what vaccine product you receive as a booster.
• As of 12/06/2021, Kiowa County has 38.8% of eligible persons receiving at least 1 dose of vaccine. The percentage again changed since the addition of 5-11 year olds to the eligible population.
• The above graphic is for those who are fully vaccinated (2 weeks after second dose of Pfizer/Moderna or 1 dose J&J)

TESTING

• Community testing is FREE! It will continue at least through February 2022. 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 see: https://covid19.colorado.gov/covid-19-testing-at-home

OTHER NEWS

• Omicron variant: 2 cases have been confirmed in Colorado. Both people had recent travel to Southern Africa. Much still needs to be learned about how serious this variant will be though, so far, it appears that boosted individuals should be well protected against omicron.
• New Federal travel rules: All air passengers, regardless of vaccination status, must show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 1 day before travel to the United States. For other requirements visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
• Masks continue to be required on all public transportation.
• 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. 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!
• There have been ongoing school related cases. PLEASE work with the schools, keep your kids home when sick and follow Isolation and Quarantine guidance. Stay in touch with your district for the most up to date information. All students who are vaccinated (2 weeks post second dose) do not have to quarantine.

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.