DATA

• Cases 206
• Hospitalizations 8 
• Deaths 4**

*These are cumulative totals as of 10/26/2021 4pm **Deaths in people with a recent positive COVID test.

• CASES PAST 7 days: 22 (4 vaccinated) This does not include a data/lab error which skews the cases if you search on the state website.
• CASES PAST 14 days: 60 (10 vaccinated)

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

TESTS

This week’s percent positivity was 10.71. Last week’s percentage was skewed by a lab error. The goal is to keep this rate below five percent. Get tested if you are exposed or if you have symptoms. 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 please see: https://covid19.colorado.gov/covid-19-testing-athome

Boosters are available

You should get a booster dose if you:

• Are 65 years old or older.
• Live in a long-term care facility.
• Are 18 to 64 years old and at high risk of severe COVID-19.
• Are 18 to 64 years old and at high risk because of where you live or work. For example, if you live in a college dorm with lots of other students or you work at a grocery store where you are in contact with many people every day, you may be considered high risk.
• You received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for your initial dose.
• 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.

NEWS

• There are current 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.
• Please stay in touch with your school district regarding quarantines and other COVID-19 information
• COVID VACCINE is available at the public health office. Please call 719-438-5782 to schedule your appointment. All 3 types of vaccine are available. Ask about the incentive program. We are anticipating that vaccine will be available for children ages 5-11 in early November
• Kiowa County has 43.7% of eligible persons receiving at least 1 dose of vaccine, up from 43.5% last week.
• 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 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 are treatments called monoclonal antibodies that can be given to greatly reduce your chance of hospitalization. They are offered locally at the hospital. Call your provider for more information.
• 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 withany questions.