SM County: Proactive Preventative Measures Protect from COVID

20 Dec SM County: Proactive Preventative Measures Protect from COVID

San Miguel County Public Health puts out the word: Two performances canceled after positive COVID test result.

For corona vaccine info, visit here.

For up-to-date coronavirus information, visit here.

For free coronavirus testing opportunities, visit here.

For all Covid blogs from San Miguel County, go here.

In the interest of the health and safety of their performers and audience members, two local productions canceled their events after positive COVID test results were identified among participants. Both productions had implemented diligent testing and mask requirements for their staff and performers throughout rehearsals and live performances and actively enforced vaccine and testing requirements for attendees to compliment mask use.

“The leaders of these events, and all those involved, acted quickly and responsibly to protect attendees and performers alike,” said Public Health Director Grace Franklin. “Public Health supports these proactive decisions and collaborated with each director to discuss options and offer guidance as they both made the difficult decision to cancel their performances.”

With the return of large, public events and private gatherings, behavior change has led to an increase in transmission over the last week. The precautionary systems currently in place are effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19 including indoor mask requirements, vaccines and boosters, and increased access to testing.

The decisions made will help protect all involved and potentially prevent further cancellation of holiday plans due to increased transmission. While the county is currently reporting fewer positive test results daily than last month’s spike, highly contagious COVID variants continue to spread throughout the state, especially in crowded indoor spaces.

“As we head into the holidays, we typically gather with people outside of our normal circles,” said Director Franklin. “It is more important than ever, especially for our at-risk population, to take extra precautions such as getting a booster and limiting the number of events we attend and the number of people we see.”

As the winter continues and potential exposures occur, Public Health encourages residents and visitors alike to pay close attention to any symptoms, get tested frequently, get a vaccine, and get a booster.

For the most up-to-date testing schedule, please visit bit.ly/smccovidtest.

Free testing opportunities are available throughout the county Monday through Friday, except holidays including December 23 and 24. The current testing schedule is as follows:

Mondays: Lawson Hill Intercept Lot, 7 am to 12 pm, saliva COVID PCR test with Microgen
Mondays: Mountain Village in the plaza adjacent to the Blue Mesa parking lot, 3:30 to 5:30 pm, saliva COVID PCR test with Microgen
Tuesdays: Telluride High School, 7 am to 12 pm, saliva COVID PCR test with Microgen
Wednesdays: Mountain Village in the plaza adjacent to the Blue Mesa parking lot, 11 am to 12 pm, nasal swab PCR test with SMCPH
Thursdays: Depot Building at 300 S Townsend Street in Telluride, 10 to 11 am, nasal swab PCR test with SMCPH – Closed December 23
Fridays: Ilium Valley at 802 Vance Dr, 9:30 to 11:30 am, rapid nasal swab NAAT/molecular test with SMCPH – Closed December 24
Monday through Friday: Uncompahgre Medical Center in Norwood, by appointment only, rapid nasal swab NAAT/molecular and PCR COVID tests

Additionally, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) continues to provide free rapid at-home antigen tests. The program uses Abbott BinaxNOW™ rapid antigen tests that show results within 15 minutes. To learn more, enroll and order tests, please visit https://covid19.colorado.gov/covid-19-testing-at-home.

For those that have tested positive for COVID-19, whether at home or through a testing clinic, email publichealth@sanmiguelcountyco.gov for assistance, guidance, and helpful resources such as financial assistance, food banks, grocery delivery and more.

Power The Comeback:

Crowded places, covered faces
Get vaccinated
Stay home when sick and get tested