Craig, Colorado — July 28, 2021

As of 8:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 28th, four people are admitted in the MRH COVID Unit. Since late June, three additional people who tested positive for COVID have died. One individual’s death was confirmed by the Moffat County Coroner as due to COVID, and the other two causes of death are pending. The confirmed COVID death was an individual in their 50s. The confirmed death brings the total number of Moffat County Deaths to 28.

The COVID positivity rate remains high – over 20%. The positivity data reported below is based upon the testing performed by Memorial Regional Health’s Emergency Department and associated clinics. Moffat County is classified as having a “High” level of transmission. This is largely due to the very low vaccination rate among eligible recipients (individuals 12 and over).

The Memorial Regional Health Laboratory is participating in CDPHE’s SARS CoV-2 Variant Sentinel Surveillance program. The intent of this program is to identify possible COVID-19 variants in circulation and their burden of disease in the community. The Delta variant is the predominant strain in the United States, accounting for over 83% of positive cases. Variant strains now account for all new positive cases, as the original strain is no longer being detected among all circulating strains. Below is a chart showing the predominance of the Delta Variant in positive cases in Moffat County. This strain is proving to be more aggressive and is having a more severe impact on young people.

The Centers for Disease Control asserts that COVID-19 is now a preventable illness. All three COVID vaccines authorized for use in the United States are safe and effective, including against the Delta variant strain. Locally, those who are fully vaccinated and test positive for COVID are experiencing much milder cases of COVID. Since Moffat County residents have started receiving the vaccine, only two vaccinated people have been hospitalized with COVID, and none have died.

Moffat County vaccination rates remains low – only 41% of those 12 and over have gotten at least one dose of vaccine. If you are not vaccinated, please use common sense to prevent the spread of COVID – were a mask (they work at reducing the spread of COVID), stay away from large groups of people who are gathering indoors – opt for outside, wash your hands, and stay home if you are sick.

The COVID Vaccine Bus will be at Walmart from 2:00 -7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 28th giving vaccines in front of Walmart. Vaccines are available to everyone 12 years old and older. People who get vaccinated can receive a $100 Walmart gift card, while supplies last. No appointment is necessary.