The COVID-19 situation in our community continues to evolve. Newly released information show that vaccination efforts are beginning to pay off. We are seeing in Pueblo County that the seven-day rolling average case count today is about one-half of what it was only a few weeks ago and local COVID-19 hospitalizations have ticked down somewhat recently. Here is a video where local medical professionals are discussing that Pueblo COVID-19 hospitalizations are exclusively among those who are unvaccinated: https://fb.watch/5usaMENzL3/
This is good news and consistent with what studies show is occurring across the country. The vaccination program is working and those who are vaccinated are well protected against dire effects of the virus.
The result is the national Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced yesterday an easing of its indoor face mask and physical distancing guidance for fully vaccinated people. Here is a link to the CDC’s full report: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html.
The State of Colorado’s mandates also changed today with additional easing of restrictions with regard to masks. Here is a link to that announcement: https://fb.watch/5uy-QWhyog/.
A separate Pueblo County health order continues for now that requires physical distancing and building occupancy limits. Here is a link to information about that order: https://county.pueblo.org/public-health/pueblo-extends-public-health-order-through-may-31.
All of this taken together means PCCLD’s indoor face mask, physical distancing, and related requirements remain in place for the time being. However, I expect PCCLD will take steps as early as next week to modify and reduce its COVID-19 indoor limits.
I will close here by encouraging PCCLD employees to find a vaccine if you have not been inoculated against the virus. Employees are doing a good job overall with vaccine uptake as more than 80% of staff are vaccinating so far. There are many opportunities locally to receive a free vaccine. Here is a link with more information about finding a vaccine in our community: https://county.pueblo.org/public-health/pueblo-department-public-health-and-environment/vaccine.
Sincerely,
Jon
Jon Walker
Executive Director
