On January 4, Governor Polis moved all Colorado counties that were in Level Red to Level Orange citing improving metrics.
Not all of these counties meet the individual requirements for Level Orange.
Level Orange implements the following guidelines and restrictions:
- Personal Gatherings: Up to 10 from no more than 2 households
- Schools and Higher Education: In-person, hybrid, or remote as appropriate
- Restaurants – Indoors: 25% capacity, or up to 50 people; Outdoors: six feet between parties, last call moved to 10 pm
- Offices: 25% capacity
- Retail: 25% capacity
Vaccine Update
SJBPH has launched an online form for residents to receive COVID-19 vaccine notifications on vaccine availability. Please note that it is not a vaccine sign-up form, but a way to receive the latest vaccine information. The form is available in both English and Spanish.
Both Archuleta and La Plata counties are currently vaccinating individuals in the 1A phase which includes high-priority healthcare workers and staff and residents of long-term care facilities, as well as some categories of people in the 1B phase including first responders, moderate-risk healthcare workers, and people 70 years and older. The availability of COVID-19 vaccines is limited at this time, and Colorado’s allocation plan prioritizes people who are most at risk of illness and death from the virus. As indicated by Colorado’s vaccine distribution plan, phased distribution will take months to complete.
Know someone who is 70 or older?
Nearly 9.5 million seniors, or 16.5% of U.S. adults 65 and older, lack internet access, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Access is worse for seniors of color. If you know someone who is 70+, please help them sign up to receive COVID vaccine alerts.
(SJBPH) understands that many Archuleta and La Plata county residents are eager to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and we appreciate their commitment to protect friends, family, and community and slow the spread of the virus. SJPBH is committed to ensuring that everyone who wants vaccine can receive it.
Your patience is appreciated
The supply of COVID-19 vaccine is very limited with the state of Colorado receiving approximately 70,000 doses of vaccine each week for a population of 5.8 million residents. The distribution issues resulting in limited quantities are being experienced by public health agencies nationwide. SJBPH appreciates your patience and cooperation in what is an every-changing and complex process of vaccine administration.
The agency continues to work with numerous partners to provide COVID-19 vaccine to all individuals who want it and to share information as it becomes available.
Claire Ninde is Communications Director for San Juan Basin Public Health. Learn more at https://sjbpublichealth.org/