San Juan Basin Public Health (SJBPH) reports the first instance of a COVID-19-positive resident of Archuleta County who has died.
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will ultimately determine whether this individual’s death was caused by COVID-19, the deceased, an older adult, is the first lab-confirmed individual to die after contracting the disease in Archuleta County.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of this community member,” said SJBPH Executive Director, Liane Jollon. “The virus remains a real threat in our communities. It is vital that we remain focused on prevention efforts to protect those who are particularly vulnerable to developing more serious illness, including older adults and those with underlying health conditions.”
To prevent further spread of disease and to protect vulnerable people, including older adults and those with underlying health conditions, such as those with heart and lung disease, pregnant women, and people with diabetes, SJBPH urges everyone to follow these important public health precautions:
- Wearing face masks
- Social distancing of at least 6 feet
- Avoiding nonessential indoor spaces, and gatherings with others not in your household
- Getting tested if you are symptomatic, think you’ve been exposed, or if you work in a high contact position
- Avoiding unnecessary travel
- Washing hands well
- Getting the COVID-19 vaccine as it becomes available
To help residents to receive COVID-19 vaccine notifications, SJBPH has launched an online sign-up form, available in English and Spanish. By completing the online form, those who want to get the vaccine will be contacted as soon as it becomes available to them, according to the state’s vaccine priorities.
“While vaccine supply is still extremely limited, we are working directly with community partners to prioritize vaccine availability among our communities most disproportionately impacted by the COVID pandemic,” Jollon said. “We know the sooner people can get the vaccine, the sooner we can reduce hospitalizations and deaths. In the meantime, we cannot let our guard down.”
SJBPH continues to provide free COVID-19 testing at multiple locations including:
- The Archuleta County Community Testing Site provides testing from 10am to 1pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the Archuleta County Fairgrounds at 344 U.S. HWY 84 in the all-weather Hughes Pavilion in Pagosa Springs.
- The La Plata County Community Testing Site provides testing from 10am to 4pm Monday through Thursday and Saturday at the La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave in Durango.
- The Bayfield Community Testing Site provides testing from 9am to 12pm Wednesday and Friday at the Upper Pine Fire Protection District Administration Building, 515 Sower Drive in Bayfield.
For the most up to date information on how to take precautions against the spread of COVID-19, visit SJBPH’s website.
Claire Ninde is Communications Director for San Juan Basin Public Health. Learn more at https://sjbpublichealth.org/