A Garfield County Sheriff Office spokesman said two inmates tested positive for COVID-19 about 10 days ago, followed by more cases over the Thanksgiving holiday and the ensuing weekend.
Rhea and Lucas Stotts stretch their arms at Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs after receiving their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Shannon Marvel / Post Independent
A steady stream of youngsters flowed into Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs on Wednesday to receive their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
Siblings Lucas and Rhea Stotts were among those who received their first dose Wednesday, May 19 accompanied by their mother, Jennifer Stotts.
Jennifer said she told her children that it’s important to get the vaccination so the family can take trips, participate in activities and visit friends and family again.
The state of Colorado anticipates opening the next phase of vaccine distribution, known as 1B.3, in mid-March.
That phase is to include frontline workers in the food service and grocery sectors, public transit, agriculture, direct care providers, human services and other occupations deemed “essential.”
It also makes the vaccine available to anyone ages 16-64 with a qualifying high-risk chronic condition.
That will greatly increase the number of people within the general population who are eligible to receive the vaccine.
To prepare, Garfield County Public Health is planning to have more COVID-19 vaccine clinics starting at the same time, Public Health Specialist Carrie Godes said.