Today, state public health officials continue to investigate one confirmed case, and one possible case of the COVID-19 variant (B.1.1.7) found yesterday in eastern Elbert County. Governor Jared Polis and health experts held a press conference this morning that can be viewed in its entirety online at https://fb.watch/2Iwsdc7jxv/.
The two individuals are members of the Colorado National Guard and were deployed to the Good Samaritan Society Nursing Home in Simla, CO. The individuals were there to provide staff support due to a previous COVID-19 outbreak at the facility in mid-December. The Colorado National Guard members are currently isolating in Arapahoe County and Lincoln County and are not Elbert County residents.
Elbert County’s overall COVID-19 case numbers have been improving since December 13, following a peak in cases. The discovery of the new COVID-19 variant in the County does not change our approach to slowing the spread of the virus. We encourage residents, businesses and visitors to continue to do their part and take simple steps to keep the County safe and open.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in mid-December, four residents have passed away from the virus. We are deeply saddened by this loss of life and grieve with the families who lost loved ones.
The state will continue its case investigation and contact tracing regarding this incident and intends to share updated information as it becomes available. Elbert County continues to work closely with our state and local public health partners as well.
For state information, visit Colorado.gov/governor/news.