COVID is here. After months of slowing the spread and flattening the curve, cases are now rapidly rising. We are seeing community spread in Taos County, meaning people are contracting COVID-19 without knowing where they got the virus. According to the New York Times, over the course of the last 7 days in Taos County, we are seeing 9.1 new cases per day, which is 28 per 100,000 residents. Medical facilities are starting to become overwhelmed. It's time for all of us to do our part to slow the virus (see below).
Slow the Spread - Do Your Part
Keep 6 feet of distance between yourself and people who don’t live in your household.
Avoid large gatherings. In New Mexico, large gatherings are considered to be groups larger than 5.
Wear a mask that covers you nose and mouth whenever you are in public.
Wash/sanitize your hands often.
Cover coughs and sneezes.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
Monitor your health and be aware of COVID symptoms.
Keep track of those you have come in close contact with. The New Mexico Department of Health defines close contact as within 6 feet of a person for 3+ minutes.
Why Self-Quarantining is so Important
From our friends at Holy Cross Medical Group: We would like to remind you that if you suspect that you have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19, you should self-quarantine for 14 days. If you have had close contact with somebody with COVID-19, you could spread the infection to others without knowing it or having any symptoms. Also it can take anywhere from 2 to 14 days after exposure for the test to turn positive, so a negative test today does not mean you don’t have the virus tomorrow. For that reason, it is important to stay in quarantine for 14 after an exposure, even if you tested negative. Self-quarantine is a method of slowing the COVID-19 spread by staying at home and away from other people. It's important to note, if you live with and/or care for someone with a confirmed COVID-19 case, then self-quarantine runs for 14 days after that person completes their infectious period.
We recommend that you also consider using such tools as the CDC’s self-checker, an online, mobile-friendly tool that asks a series of questions, and based on the user’s responses, it provides recommended actions and resources. In the event you wish to be tested for COVID-19 you can call 751-8951 and make an appointment to be tested at the Holy Cross COVID-19 Testing clinic.
COVID Training
All staff are required to complete our Winter COVID training. Completion of training should take place prior to working on-site, or ASAP if currently working on-site. Trainings take place via Zoom. Register using the links below.
Taos Public Health Office - register or call for time slot (575.758.0493)
Holy Cross Medical Center - Appt. required, call 575.751.8951
Taos Ski Valley On-Site Testing - 11/17 & 11/24 registration required, details to come. Limited spaces, please try to get tested at Taos Public Health or Holy Cross.
Get Your Flu Shot
Taos High School Flu Shot Clinic
Saturday, November 7, 10am to 1pm
Taos Ski Valley Flu Shot Days (FREE)
11/17 & 11/24, 10am to 12pm at the Rio Hondo Learning Center. No insurance needed. Mogul Medical to administer.
Town of Taos Albertsons, Walmart and Smith's all administer flu vaccinations. Call for more details and availability. Contact your insurance provider for cost.
Take Care of Your Mental Health
Create a Joy Toolkit!
Your Joy Toolkit should consist of 5 things that bring you instant joy. It can be a picture, a video, a specific drive, a game, a hike or walk or workout, a song, time with your dog, a book, a hobby, etc. Take a few minutes to gather your 5 things. Then, when you notice yourself needing instant joy, use something from your toolkit!
Start a Gratitude Journal
Choose Your Method – how are you going to record your thoughts?
Create A Routine – Designate a set time and place to record.
Be in the present moment – breathe and relax.
Depth rather than breadth – don’t limit yourself to one thing
Forgive yourself – don’t beat yourself up if you miss a day
