Garfield County Public Health community update - Feb. 15, 2022

COMMUNITY NOTICE
February 15, 2022

Workshop for event coordinators / temporary food vendors, where food is sold to the public
This workshop takes place in-person or online on Wednesday, March 9, from 9-11 a.m., or 1-3 p.m. 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.

COVID-19
Breakthrough cases – Of the 299 COVID-19 cases reported for the week ending on February 6, 152 cases were breakthrough. Breakthrough cases are counted when an individual has received two doses of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine and tests positive for the virus. Individuals who received a third booster dose were 2.4 times less likely to contract COVID-19 during the omicron surge than those who were unvaccinated.

Population immunity – Public Health estimates that 71 percent of the Garfield County population has immunity to COVID-19 either through vaccines, natural immunity, or a combination.

Ending orders – The Pitkin County COVID-19 Public Health Order expires on February 22, ending its indoor mask mandate. The State Crisis Standards of Care order, which sets guidelines for how the medical community allocates scarce resources, such as ventilators and ICU beds, also expires on February 22.

First dose vaccinations high – Nearly half of the COVID-19 vaccine administered the week of February 7 were first doses.

Deaths and hospitalizations – Nineteen Garfield County residents have been hospitalized due to COVID in February. There have been 87 confirmed deaths since March of 2020, with six additional deaths being investigated.

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.

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.

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