Fri Jul 31st, 2020
Staff report
Categories: Health
Tags: Archuleta County, Coronavirus (COVID-19), COVID-19 pandemic, La Plata County, Public Health, San Juan Basin Health (SJBH), San Juan Basin Public Health (SJBPH)
Second death of a person with COVID-19
San Juan Basin Public Health (SJBPH) is reporting a continued increase in COVID-19 cases as well as La Plata County’s second death of a person with COVID-19. The person who died was an adult with underlying health conditions. Since June 25, SJBPH has confirmed 63 new cases of COVID-19 in La Plata County and 10 new cases in Archuleta County. On, July 16, SJBPH confirmed five new cases in La Plata County, two new cases in Archuleta County, and three new cases in nonresidents who were tested in La Plata or Archuleta counties. Additional case investigations are still underway.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has determined that La Plata County now qualifies as an area of significant community transmission of COVID-19. This may result in continued increases in case counts. The cases reported over the last three weeks include workplace, family, social, and household transmissions of the virus, as well as persons who contracted the disease from an unknown source.
“SJBPH is saddened by the second death of a local resident who had contracted COVID-19, and we extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of this person.”, said SJBPH Executive Director, Liane Jollon. “This is a tragic reminder of the importance of all of us making responsible decisions such as wearing face coverings, social distancing, and hand washing frequently to protect our vulnerable family members, friends, and strangers,” Jollon said.
To prevent further spread of COVID-19 and to protect vulnerable people, including older adults and those with underlying health conditions including those with heart and lung disease, pregnant women, and people with diabetes, SJBPH urges everyone to:
For the latest evidence supporting these precautions see: https://sjbpublichealth.org/covidprevention/
San Juan Basin Public Health is a local public health agency, governed by a seven-member local Board of Health, serving all residents of La Plata and Archuleta counties. For over 70 years, San Juan Basin Public Health has improved the health and environment of the Southwest Colorado community.