Public Health Emerging Issues

August 4, 2021

COVID-19 SITUATION UPDATE

COVID-19 Case Trends

  • Community transmission remains high, with a decline in average daily cases.
  • Four weeks ago, the average daily case count was 32, in the most recent week, the average daily case count is 26. 

Delta Variant Spread

  • There are 880 cases of Delta variant in Mesa County.
    • The rate of new Delta variant cases has remained relatively steady in recent weeks.
    • We estimate the total number of Delta variant cases to be much higher.
    • Not all positive COVID-19 tests are tested again for variants. 
    • Variant testing occurs through random sampling of positive tests. 
  • These variants are more transmissible and can be more severe, with recent studies showing nearly double the hospitalization risk with the Delta variant.
  • Available vaccines reduce severe illness, including hospitalization and death, associated with all COVID-19 strains, including emerging variants. 
  • The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) released updated guidance for residential care facilities serving older adults and people with disabilities. The changes come after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended mask use for vaccinated individuals indoors in areas of substantial or high transmission

Vaccination Efforts

  • Vaccines are FREE.
  • The State of Colorado is offering $100 Walmart gift cards while supplies last to anyone who receives a first or second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at a participating state-operated vaccine site.
  • MCPH offers COVID-19 vaccinations in a Mobile Vaccine Van at the Market on Main (5th and Main St.) every Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. See additional MCPH Mobile COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics below:
    • Wednesday, August 11 at Mesa Mall’s Back to School Party from 5:30 pm–7:30 pm.
    • Sunday, August 22 at Mesa Mall’s Mav Attack from 2 pm–5 pm.

Your Vaccine is Waiting

  • Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is quick and easy, plan for about 30 minutes.
  • The Community Vaccination Site, located at 510 29 ½ Road, accepts walk-ins for COVID-19 vaccine. 
  • Hours of operation are Wednesday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
  • All three vaccine types are available, residents are able to choose which vaccine they would like.
  • Immediate scheduling for appointments is still available. An appointment can make the process a little smoother. Schedule your vaccine today using these links in English or Spanish.  Individuals who are more comfortable communicating in Spanish are encouraged to call the Spanish-language line at 970-255-3700.
  • Search for other vaccine providers in our area including pharmacies and medical clinics, many offer walk-in vaccination. This provider map is updated weekly.

Latest Data Vaccine Data 

  • As of the week ending July 31, 56,653 first doses and 58,200 second doses have been administered in Mesa County for a total of 114,853 doses.A Vaccine Dashboard is updated weekly on the MCPH website with new data related to vaccine by age group.

Testing Efforts

  • Testing is FREE.
  • The Mesa County community COVID-19 testing site offers the Cue test, a highly accurate, rapid COVID-19 test. Results are available in about 20 minutes.
  • Cue and PCR testing is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of Mesa County Public Health (MCPH), located at 510 29 ½ Road.

Appointments are not required, but you can pre-register online to save time.