THIS UPDATE WILL BE CHANGING SOON DUE TO CHANGES IN OUR PANDEMIC RESPONSE FROM THE CDC, THE WHITE HOUSE AND CDPHE. STAY TUNED!

DATA

• Cases 316 
• Hospitalizations 13 
• Deaths 7**

*These are cumulative totals as of 03/01/2022 4:00PM **Deaths in people with a recent positive COVID test

• CASES PAST 7 days: 1 (0 vaccinated)
• CASES PAST 14 days: 2 (0 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 0.88, down from 1.75 percent last week. The goal is to remain below five percent.

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.

TREATMENT

• Treatment approaches are changing. There is a federal program called Test to Treat that will allow the pharmacy to test you and provide oral treatment for free. There will be a screening process to ensure that the pills are the appropriate next step. If not, you will be connected to other therapies. Details expected soon.

ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE

• Guidance is changing here. Cases will not all be investigated or contacted moving forward. Masks are still required in nursing homes, assisted living centers, hospitals, and clinics.

TESTING

• Community testing is FREE! Call 438-5401 and ask for the lab. If you are having severe symptoms such as significant trouble breathing, etc. call 911. This option will likely phase out over the next few weeks.
• 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 at home tests. 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.
• The White House released a new COVID plan today. See https://www.whitehouse.gov/covidplan/ for more information. As soon as the state aligns its guidance, we will release the changes.

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.