BACKGROUND
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created a new tool to help individuals and families make choices to prevent COVID-19.
- Community Levels for a specific county can be rated as low, medium, or high.
- Recommendations for controlling risk include:
Low: Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines; Get tested if you have symptoms.
Medium: Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines; Get tested if you have symptoms, and If you are at high risk for severe illness, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions. Consider extra precautions if you have someone in your household who is immunocompromised.
High: Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines; Get tested if you have symptoms; and Wear a mask indoors in public. Additional precautions may be needed for people at high risk for severe illness.
- The levels are determined by looking at numbers of new COVID-19 cases, hospital admissions, and number of hospital beds being used.
- There are different measures and related guidance for high-risk settings like healthcare facilities and nursing homes.
LOCAL SITUATION
- Mesa County remained at a Low Community Level until June 2nd, when it moved to Medium.
- COVID-19 cases have increased from a 7-day trailing average of around 20 per day during April and May, to about 50 cases per day at the beginning of June. For comparison, over 350 cases per day were reported at the peak of Omicron.
- Hospital admissions of COVID-19 cases remain low. There were four admissions in April and eight in May. At this same time last year, there were 45 admissions in April 2021 and 91 in May 2021.
- Nearly 71% of all Mesa County residents are known to have had COVID-19 or have been vaccinated. Much of the community has some level of immunity to COVID-19.
PUBLIC HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS
- Continue to practice infection prevention at home and work, like staying home if you or your child feel sick.
- Consider smaller groups or outdoor locations when planning summer activities to lower the risk of disease transmission.
- Testing: Use a Rapid Test if you have symptoms of COVID-19. Pick up your tests during regular business hours at the Health and Human Services Building, located at 510 29 1/2 Road. If you are experiencing symptoms, please wear a mask. Testing is also available at Colorado Mesa University through COVIDCheck Colorado.
- Vaccination: Stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines for the most effective prevention against serious illness and hospitalization. Initial series and boosters are approved for children and adults. Some immunocompromised individuals may be eligible for additional boosters. Vaccines are free and safe. You can find a vaccine site near you at Vaccines.gov or make an appointment at Mesa County Public Health on our website or call 970-248-6900.