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Greetings,

Since my last communication to you, we have seen a resurgence of COVID-19 in our community and our hospital. The number of COVID-19 tests coming back positive is high – nearly as high as the last COVID-19 peak last fall. We’ve also seen a sharp spike in hospitalizations.

As I write this letter, we currently have four COVID-positive individuals hospitalized. When I look back at the COVID-19 data from Nov. 15 to Dec. 15, 2020, MRH was averaging five COVID-positive people in the hospital each day. We’re getting dangerously close to those numbers again. Why am I worried?

I’m watching as people are eager to return to a more normal way of life as our county, state and country re-open for business. But by contrast, I also see that our county is lagging in vaccinations. In the most recent data, only 42% of eligible people over the age of 18 have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine. By comparison, over 50% of Colorado residents have received at least one dose. With COVID infections on the rise and spreading fast, we are prolonging the time it will take to get this virus under control.

Yes, I know that vaccines are not 100% effective — but nothing is 100% effective. Take for example seatbelts. Most people wear seatbelts even though seatbelts don’t always keep people from getting hurt in an accident. But, seatbelts reduce the severity of injury. That’s what we are also seeing with COVID-19 vaccines.

Studies show that all COVID-19 vaccines currently in use are effective at reducing the severity of illness if a vaccinated individual contracts the virus. The studies also show the vaccines are very effective in preventing COVID infections altogether. It’s unrealistic to think that COVID will just go away completely, but what we’d like to see is its impact on individuals become less severe.

My request is that you consider getting vaccinated, if you haven’t already done so. Do it to protect yourself and those around you. I know many people recover from COVID-19, but I know many who have not be so fortunate. I know people who have life-altering, long-term side-effects and others who have died.

Getting the vaccine is free and its convenient. Please call us if you want to be vaccinated in either Craig or Steamboat. We are here to be your trusted partner in health.

I wish you good health,

Andrew J. Daniels, MHA, FACHE

Chief Executive Officer