COVID-news, kids vaccine, testing, rising numbers, Governor’s speech (11/1/21)
The Lyons Recorder provides “one stop shopping” for its readers — we gather information from multiple web sites and sources, and put them all in one place for easy, quick access!
General News
WORLD TOLL – More than 5 million people have died from the coronavirus worldwide, according to data collected by John Hopkins University. Since October 18, the rise in cases has steadily gone up. It is assumed that there are some cases, especially in poorer countries that have not been reported. (11/1/21)
11/3/21 per World Health Organization (WHO), European cases have risen 6 percent (last week, and for 5 consecutive weeks – upward since October 3), which is the most in any “world region.”
CDC Director Walensky answered questions last week about the role of employers in bringing workers back to the office, the importance of both flu and Covid-19 vaccinations. She did not make a statement about further mandates, but said “The most disruptive thing you can do to a workforce is to have a COVID outbreak.” — The agency is “very carefully” monitoring a new COVID-19 subvariant, known as Delta plus.
The Biden administration is considering COVID-19 vaccine mandates for essential workers or students. In the US, currently, over 1,000 colleges and universities require the COVID-19 vaccine for residential students. Twelve in Colorado mandate it, and our closest university, UC Boulder, mandated it for staff and students, deadline of September 11, 2021.
The federal government is providing the COVID-19 vaccine free of charge to all people living in the United States, regardless of their immigration or health insurance status.
Governor’s Statements
11/2/21 – Gov. Polis and his Team, speaking to the public:
Polis will be joined by State Epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy and COVID-19 Incident Commander Scott Bookman with Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) at the afternoon briefing.
80% of Coloradans are vaccinated (at least 1st dose).
==what today’s numbers show: 1,254 hospitalization; 80% of which are unvaccinated.
(the highest since December 20, 2020)—that comes from 20% of the population.
27 kids hospitalized.
There is a rapid acceleration in recent weeks of cases, and hospitalization.
Colorado has some of the highest covid numbers in the country – #5!
(Alaska, Montana, NDakota, Wyoming – are above us)
==Charts show a constant rise since August.
This includes Boulder and Larimer Counties that are seeing their highest numbers this year,
with a drop from January to March, which then rose in April/May, down in summer, and then a rise beginning in August, and continuing till today.
==Age Groups: For all ages, those with vaccines are protected approximately 90%.
(seniors 80+ are at 66% hospitalized; and 78% deaths (approx. 100 vaccinated and 200 non-vaccinated died; these people are only 6-7% of the population, makes it more extreme)
People in their 60s, 70s, 80s should immediate get the booster.
Ages 11 to 39 have zero deaths.
==protection rates:
Remember there is a decrease in protection and a booster is necessary.
1 in 51 people around you are contagious.
==Their protectory, based on current rates, December/January will bring us to the
highest rate experienced in the year 2020 (which would be in the 2,000 range).
==NEW== COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody=== 161 providers are available:
If you don’t have the vaccine, and have any symptoms, get tested…
You need to be tested early in the infection, mild/moderate symptons, older or at risk. It’s not as effective as the vaccine; but helps if you get sick. See LINK.
==The executive order on 10/31/21 Sunday:
Flu season has not yet begun this year, and when it does begin, we expect it to put extra stress on the healthcare system which is already at over 90% capacity as of this week with 30% of facilities reporting anticipated ICU bed shortages in the coming week and 36% reporting staffing shortages. Therefore:
—Elective and cosmetic surgeries are to be delayed, and even things like knee surgery. Things that are not life-threatening–It would not effect those who have a stroke, for example.
—Patients will be routed to hospital beds that are available, as some hospitals are reaching capacity.
—Colorado needs to request FEMA medical surge teams (in addition to National Guard teams already in place)
==From contact-tracing where are these coming from? This is hard to state. Most ill people have had multiple exposures. Partly caused because people are out and about. And vaccinated people are back to “living their lives,” and they have higher potential to being exposed, such as in restaurants, and more.
==Gov. Polis’s feelings today vs. a year ago — (abbreviated quote) “I’m very frustrated — a year ago we were in this together, we were wearing masks, and now those who are unvaccinated are clogging up our hospitals, and most people are sick and tired of wearing masks to protect those who are unvaccinated… almost no one is dying who are vaccinated, …I don’t know what else proof you need.”
==Why is it rising in CO? — same thing happened in November of last year; hard to pin point why; may be because, like the other virus’s (eg flu), they are seasonal and increase when people are inside more.
Vaccine for kids 5 to 11 years old – available
Although children are at a lower risk of becoming severely ill with COVID-19 compared with adults, children can…
Be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19
Get very sick from COVID-19
Have both short and long-term health complications from COVID-19
Spread COVID-19 to others
CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices unanimously recommended use of the Pfizer vaccine in this younger population on Friday, 10/29/21. —- Before recommending COVID-19 vaccination for children, scientists conducted clinical trials. The FDA gave the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 emergency authorization to use in children ages 5-15 years old and full approval to use in people ages 16 years and older. Learn more about the process of developing, authorizing, and approving COVID-19 vaccines.
The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination outweigh the known and potential risks. Get a COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 years and older as soon as you can.
==Adolescents ages 12 years and older receive the same dosage of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine as adults.
==The approved Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine for children ages 5 through 11 years has the same active ingredients as the vaccine given to adults and adolescents. However, children ages 5 through 11 years receive an age-appropriate dose that is one-third of the adult dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Smaller needles, designed specifically for children, are also used.
Your child will need a second shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine three weeks after their first shot. (per CDC/FDA 10/29/21) They may initially feel: Tiredness =Headache =Muscle pain =Chills =Fever =Nausea.= They will be available at many of the same places already administering other COVID-19 vaccines as of this week.
After the CDC approved the vaccine for kids a week ago, awaiting the FDA’s approval of the Pfizer vaccine, which came on Friday, October 29. A week ago, The Biden Administration sent out 15 million doses (there are approximately 23 million kids in America in this age range). Expect your medical facilities to have them as of this past Wednesday, October 27. Many were already taking pre-appointments.
A list of providers accepting advance appointments, can be found on the CDPHE website.
Booster shots available, start with 65 years+
(1) Johnson & Johnson vaccine — the one shot vaccine turns out to not be as strong as the others, and the BOOSTER is now approved by both CDC & FDA to be used for ALL PEOPLE 18 years old and older, who got that as their first shot, as soon as two months after the original vaccination (as of 10/20/21).
(2) Moderna vaccine – BOOSTER — age 65 and over; and, individuals 18 through 64 years of age with frequent institutional or occupational exposure, like teachers.
(3) Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 BOOSTER — age 65 and over; and, individuals 18 through 64 years of age with frequent institutional or occupational exposure, like teachers.
(4) Studies now have concluded and it is alright to mix-and-match different brands.
===Who should get a booster dose? ===You should get a booster dose if you:
Are 65 years old or older.
Live in a long-term care facility.
Are 18 to 64 years old and at high risk of severe COVID-19.
Are 18 to 64 years old and at high risk because of where you live or work. For example, if you live in a college dorm with lots of other students or you work at a grocery store where you are in contact with many people every day, you may be considered high risk.
You received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for your initial dose.
===When should I get a booster dose? ===
If you received Pfizer or Moderna for your first two doses you should receive your booster dose at least six months after your second dose of vaccine, no matter what vaccine product you receive as a booster.
If you received Johnson & Johnson for your initial dose, you should receive your booster dose at least two months after your first dose, no matter what vaccine product you receive as a booster.
WHO IS COVERED: The CDC estimates that there are roughly 53 million Americans aged 65 and older. Another 17 million to 20 million people are health care workers. And as many as 100 million people are estimated to have medical conditions that put them at increased risk of severe illness if they contract Covid.
A list of providers accepting advance appointments, can be found on the CDPHE website.
Links to test sites, and more
1.) FREE COVID TESTING
You may visit Testing for COVID-19 for a list of more than 100 free state-sponsored COVID-19 testing sites across the state.
==Estes Park == events center, 1125 Rooftop Way. Get results in 3-4 days at your MAKO web site account. hosted by the Town of Estes Park
==Longmont – Boulder County Fairgrounds – Hover Road
Drop in – walk up or drive up – but registration is recommended. No insurance or ID required. Testing: Offered by Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (via Mako Medical)
2.) 24 HOUR TESTING
====If you need a more rapid test result: https://urgentcareloveland.com/ They give results in 24 hours at this clinic in Loveland. It’s also walk-in. They take insurance; it is $40 without insurance.
====Flatirons Family Pharmacy (they doing testing and vaccines) 603 Ken Pratt Blvd, Longmont. (303) 827-3480 —- Do not call the pharmacy; same day results; do not enter the store; fill out the form online.
3.) COVID-19 VACCINE HOTLINE Colorado: 1-877-CO VAX CO (1-877-268-2926):
Boulder County
— shows free “PCR version of testing” links – several in Longmont and in Boulder. Most music concerts sites (and more) are requiring testing: https://www.bouldercounty.org/families/disease/covid-19-information/testing/
4.) APP on your cell phone
“My Colorado” application – electronic option to present proof of COVID-19
5.) Transportation:
Don’t let transportation challenges stop you (or your family and friends) from getting vaccinated. Mile High United Way’s Ride United program is providing access to free rides (up to 25 miles each way) to vaccination sites across Colorado. Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211colorado.org to learn more.
6.) RAPID AT HOME TESTING: Go to the State’s web site to read about the program they started in October. ==Colorado is distributing free rapid COVID-19 over the counter (OTC) self tests directly to people’s homes. The program uses Abbott BinaxNOW™ rapid antigen tests that show results within 15 minutes. This program has been specifically designed to provide parents, guardians, and caregivers some peace of mind by making it easy to test their children and help keep schools open. But anyone can order them.== Each order includes four tests, which recipients can use to test themselves or their children. === If you are interested in receiving multiple kits, you will need to reorder tests. Tests do not automatically ship on a recurring basis. If you have symptoms, you should get tested immediately and isolate. You may visit Testing for COVID-19 for a list of more than 100 free state-sponsored COVID-19 testing sites across the state.
Mandates in effect
Governor Jared Polis — The executive order on Sunday 10/31/21: Elective and cosmetic surgeries are to be delayed, and even things like knee surgery. Things that are not life-threatening–It would not effect those who have a stroke, for example.
Patients will be routed to hospital beds that are available, as some hospitals are reaching capacity.
——* The following public health orders remain in effect in Boulder County:——
Masks are required for all individuals 2 and older in all public indoor spaces in Boulder County, regardless of vaccination status, except for approved vaccine verified facilities and events. See Public Health Order 2021-08
Public Health Order 2021-07 requires masks for all childcare settings, PK-12 schools, and youth activities regardless of vaccination status.
Boulder County Health Dept. news
Boulder County has seen a recent substantial increase in COVID-19 cases. This is in addition to the high transmission rate the county has experienced over the past month. In three days, Boulder County’s case rate jumped from 127.5 to 177 cases per 100,000. Hospitalizations due to COVID-19 are already higher in October 2021 as compared to October 2020.
Flu season: the average peak hospitalizations for the flu season over the past five years is between 275-500 cases per week, and generally the peak is not sustained for more than a few weeks. Not only are COVID-19 hospitalizations longer in duration compared to the flu, but they result in higher ICU demand. In the past few weeks, over 40% of ICU patients have been COVID-19 patients. And, COVID-19 is far more deadly. There have been 29 deaths due to COVID-19 in Boulder County since May 2021, 14 of which have occurred in October.
Larimer County Health Dept. news
LCHD issued a Public Health Order requiring face coverings to be worn in Public Indoor Spaces within Larimer County in order to control and mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to maintain health care capacity in Larimer County. The order requires mask-wearing in all public indoor spaces for all individuals 3 years and older regardless of vaccination status.
To see all the details, go to this page: question and answer page LCHD
Recommended health safety steps to take
==Whenever possible, move both public and private gatherings and events outdoors. Increase ventilation in indoor spaces if being outdoors is not possible. See CDC Guidance.
==Wear a mask whenever in a crowded indoor and outdoor spaces (masks are required in all public indoor spaces, per Public Health Order2021-08). See CDC Guidance.
==Get tested if you are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
==Stay home if you are sick or waiting for a COVID-19 test result. Follow Boulder County Public Health Quarantine and Isolation Guidance**.
==Get vaccinatedif you are eligible (BCPH is expecting 5-11-year-olds to start receiving doses around Nov. 6, 2021).
==Get your boostershot if you are eligible based on occupational, living, or medical circumstances.
(prepared by BCPH)