The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Community Levels for COVID-19 in La Plata County dropped to Medium on Thursday. Archuleta County remained in Level Medium. La Plata County has a case incidence rate of 140.5 per 100,000 and Archuleta County has a case incidence rate of 149.7 per 100,000 residents over the past seven days, according to CDC data.
Approximately 20 percent of Colorado counties are currently in Level High, with 60 percent in Level Medium, and the remaining 20 percent in Level Low. Spread of the virus continues to be elevated across the state and locally. For data collected July 7, the State of Colorado’s COVID- 19 wastewater monitoring showed broad transmission in Durango and to a lesser extent in Pagosa Springs.
Based on these levels of COVID-19 in both communities, San Juan Basin Public Health (SJBPH) recommends continued precautions to slow the spread of the virus, prevent severe illness and hospitalizations, and protect essential services. In both La Plata and Archuleta counties, those at high risk for severe illness should talk to their health care provider about taking additional precautions such as masking. Mask wearing is also encouraged on public transportation.
In both counties, individuals are advised to follow CDC isolation and quarantine guidance if they have symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19. The CDC advises mask wearing until at least day 10 for individuals coming out of a five-day isolation period. In all COVID-19 Community Levels, individuals are encouraged to stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters, and test if experiencing symptoms.
There is free community PCR testing available at the La Plata County Fairgrounds from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Visit this link to pre-register. Pre-registration is not required but can speed up the process when checking in at the test site. At-home tests are available free at the SJBPH offices in both Durango and Pagosa Springs or ordered directly from the federal government (covid.gov/tests). More information about testing is available on SJBPH’s website.
Vaccines are the safest, most effective way to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death caused by COVID-19 and its variants. Find out about local COVID-19 vaccine providers on SJBPH’s website. More information about COVID-19 vaccines, as well as assistance scheduling an appointment, is available on the state’s website. The public can also call SJBPH (970-247- 5702) or Colorado’s Vaccine Hotline (877-268-2926) to get help finding a vaccine.
KN95 masks are also available at SJBPH front desks in Durango and Pagosa Springs.
COVID-19 treatments are for people who currently have mild to moderate symptoms and are not in the hospital for COVID-19, but who are at high risk of getting very sick. You should get treatment as soon as possible when you start to feel symptoms. If you are at high risk and have COVID-19, ask your health care provider about treatment as soon as you can. Telehealth is also an option for receiving treatment. Learn more about how to access COVID-19 treatments via the State of Colorado or SJBPH.