FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Costilla County Public Health Agency can confirm an outbreak at the Blanca Potato LLD in Blanca, CO. Blanca Potato Company has been working closely with the Costilla County Public Health Agency to ensure the safety of employees and continues to implement measures to minimize transmission within the facility, including the testing of employees.

Colorado uses specific definitions and criteria when talking about COVID-19 outbreaks. A confirmed outbreak is two or more confirmed cases of COVID-19 in a facility or (non-household) group that began in a 14-day period. The Costilla County Public Health Agency would like to remind the public that we have widespread community transmission in Costilla County, and we all need to remain diligent in taking steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In that effort continue to keep six-feet of distance from others, cover your face with a mask or non-medical face covering, and wash your hands frequently. If you have been quarantined continue to stay home as per instructions from the Public Health Agency.

If you feel you been exposed to COVID-19, you should wait seven days after coming into contact with the COVID-positive person before getting tested to make sure there is enough viral material, if any, for the test to be accurate.

The San Luis Health Center is doing COVID-19 testing on Monday, June 22 nd . To be tested at this event patients must first call 719-587-2873beginning Friday, June 19 th to register for a testing time. Testing will be limited to the first 60 people that call to register.

For more information on COVID-19, see covid19.colorado.gov.