COVID News and Vaccination Update (Includes seasonal residents!)

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SAN LUIS VALLEY – There have been 3,139 cases of COVID-19 in the San Luis Valley since the pandemic began. Our region has 25 known active cases today. We have not seen a number this low in over 5 months, since the first week of October. At our peak on December 18th, there were 346 known active cases in our six-county region. 

Our local COVID-19 related hospitalizations peaked around the same time, with 27 local hospital admissions in the second half of December. In contrast, there were only 6 local COVID-19 related hospital admissions in the most recent two-week period ending March 13th. To date, the San Luis Valley has had 195 COVID-19 hospitalizations, 58 deaths among cases, and 31 deaths due to COVID-19. 

While conditions have drastically improved, COVID-19 is still with us and presents a potential danger in our community. Please continue to take precautions against the spread of illness. Wear a mask and practice physical distancing. If you feel sick, stay home, and get tested if you have symptoms of the virus. To pursue testing for COVID-19 through our regular testing providers call:

    • Rio Grande Hospital 719-657-4990

    • SLVHealth Respiratory Clinic 719-589-3000 ext. 9 

    • Valley-Wide Health Systems 719-589-3658 ext. 4 (M-F), 719-589-2562 (Sa/Su)

Widespread vaccinations are a key to ending the pandemic. Eligibility for vaccine is expanding on March 19th to Phase 1B.4. More information on who is eligible can be found at https://covid19.colorado.gov/vaccine. COVID-19 vaccinations continue to be available through local vaccine providers. In most cases appointments are required. To sign up to receive a vaccine, contact a local public health agency, hospital, clinic, or pharmacy. Online signup links for these providers can be found at www.slvphp.com. 

Vaccine events in the San Luis Valley are part of this effort to increase vaccine accessibility.

This Saturday, March 20th, Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Alamosa will host a vaccine clinic using the Moderna vaccine from 10am to 4pm at Faistl Hall on 715 4th Street in Alamosa. Please register at www.sacredheartalamosa.org. This event will be able to serve people who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine through Phase 1B.4. Sponsors are Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Los Promotores del Valle de San Luis, the SLV Area Health Education Center, and CDPHE. For more information contact Lisa Lucero (719) 588-5363. 

On Friday, March 26th, a vaccine clinic will be hosted at Sargent School (7090 N County Rd 2 E, Monte Vista) from 8:30am to 4pm at. Please sign up online at https://forms.gle/vqkFpe4SLmVbTqa98 or by calling 719-852-3322. This event was organized with agricultural workers in mind but is open to anyone who is eligible for the vaccine through Phase 1B.4. Sponsors are Valley-Wide Health Systems, Rio Grande County Public Health, Colorado Potato Administrative Committee, Sargent Schools, and CDPHE. 
 
Every Friday – Valley-Wide Health Systems will vaccinate anyone who is eligible but you must go to their website and sign up for a time. It is a drive through clinic but you must have an appointment. They are also setting up a mobile unit in LaJara on Mondays.  Go to https://vwhs.org/for-patients/coronavirus-updates/ The COVID Vaccine Tab is located at the top of the page.