COVID and Garfield County Public Health community update
COMMUNITY NOTICE
February 22, 2022
COVID-19
Most Coloradoans immune to omicron – Garfield County continues to see declining case counts and test positivity. Daily cases are slightly above those seen at this point last year. Garfield County expects to move the colored risk-level indicator down from orange-high risk to yellow-concerned in the coming weeks. The state reports that the majority of Coloradoans have immunity to omicron through vaccines or infection, and immunity is predicted to remain high into the start of summer unless a new variant emerges.
Vaccinated pregnant women pass immunity on to unborn babies – a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report shows that COVID-19-vaccinated pregnant women pass on protection to their infants. This protection reduces infant risk of infection by 60 percent for up to six months. This is important news as the vaccines for those 6 months to 4 years has been delayed pending additional data.
Paid Sick Leave under the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act Employers in Colorado with employees who work more than 30 hours per week are allowed to accrue one hour of sick leave per every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year, regardless of industry, size of company, or number of employees. These rules cover sick time and emergency leave during times like a public health emergency. For part-time employees working 20 hours per week, 40 hours of emergency leave is guaranteed. Employees are allowed to use sick leave for appointments, such as getting a vaccination, or to help family members get their vaccination. Employers play an important role in ensuring that their employees stay home when sick to help stop the spread of disease. Sick leave is not only for COVID-19, but any physical or mental health issue that prevents work.
Workshop for event coordinators / temporary food vendors, where food is sold to the public
The workshop takes place on Wednesday, March 9, from 9-11 a.m. or 1-3 p.m., in-person or online. Temporary food vendors and event coordinators of special events where food is sold to the public should consider attending. Learn about food safety, liability, public health guidance, what to do, what to avoid, and how to apply/secure your temporary event permit. RSVP by March 7 to consumerprotection@garfield-county.com or 970-625-5200, ext. 8130.
Free dental appointments for pregnant women
Having a healthy mouth and taking care of teeth and gums is important for pregnant women and unborn babies. Garfield County Public Health, in partnership with Community Health Services, is offering dental cleaning and exams for pregnant women by appointment. These services are free and are provided by registered dental hygienists in the Glenwood Springs and Rifle Public Health office locations. Call 970-920-5420 for appointments.
WIC accepting new applications
WIC (Women, Infants and Children) is taking new applications for pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and infants and children up to age 5. WIC offers free healthy food vouchers, nutrition education, breast pumps and breastfeeding support. For appointments, call 970-625-5200 in Rifle, or 970-945-6614 in Glenwood Springs.