8 minute read
OBITUARIES
Omicron-targeted vaccines are available
BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
The omicron variant is causing milder illnesses than earlier variants of COVID-19, but Elizabeth Carlton implores Coloradans not to underestimate it.
Coronavirus data watchers see signs of a possible upswing in COVID-19 cases in the coming months and are working to minimize the impact of upswing on Colorado’s health care system by imploring residents to stay up to date on vaccinations and to take prudent measures to protect others if they become ill.
Reported COVID-19 cases plateaued in the past several weeks. There are less than 900 cases across the state, down from surges in excess of 3,000 cases in June and more than 20,000 in January.
Colorado is also far from the bed crises hospitals weathered during some of the worst months of the pandemic. In late October, roughly 3% of hospital beds were in use by coronavirus patients, according to Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment data.
But the numbers don’t tell the whole story, Carlton said.
“Reported cases are the tip of the iceberg,” Carlton said.
The percent of tests coming back positive has jumped up from around 5% in early October to about 9%. And wastewater data from the Denver area also indicates the virus is more prevalent.
Carlton doesn’t know for sure what’s causing it, but after two years, pandemic restrictions have loosened everywhere. The way people “mix” with each other is different.
“Not just school, but all the ways people gather is probably closer to pre-pandemic levels than it has been before,” Carlton added.
Spikes have been tracked in the fall and it is unclear exactly why, she said. It could be that the colder weather leads people to gather more indoors. Or it could be due to changes in humans’ immune system at this time of year.
With fl u cases typically rising around the same time of year, health offi cials are doubling down on their messaging about vaccines and haven’t ruled out that a more severe version of coronavirus can appear, as strains have in the past.
New shots can protect self, vulnerable Coloradans
Coronavirus vaccines don’t always stop the illness, but they may prevent a serious case that requires hospitalization. Vaccines also help protect people who cannot take the vaccine, like those who have imparied immune systems. Health offi cials recommend a mindset that minimizes risks for exposure to oneself and others.
“People who are at higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 or who interact with people at higher risk should consider their individual risk, which may include taking additional precautions such as masking and avoiding crowded public spaces,” said a statement from the Colorado State Joint Information Center.
People at high risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID include those older than 65, people who are medically obese or overweight, people with other medical issues.
For those who are infected, Paxlovid, an oral antiviral pill that targets COVID-19, is available.
Another form of treatment is “monoclonal antibodies,” which are given as infusions, either through an IV or through injections, like with a vaccine. They help a person’s immune system recognize and respond to the virus.
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SWARR Laurel Leah (Olsen) Swarr
May 8, 1944 - October 31, 2022
Laurel was born in Oakland, California May 8, 1944 to Virginia Payton and Bjarne Mathias Olsen. She was married to Herbert Ryde Swarr August 23, 1963. Together they moved to Brighton, Colorado to start their family. Laurel’s life centered around her family and serving the community. At School District 27J she was the School Board President for nearly a decade in the 80’s and 90’s and also worked with special needs students at Brighton High School. She loved working with each one and felt that they taught her so much. During her years as an active member of the 1st Presbyterian Church of Brighton she started the Courtesy service, providing meals for the ill in the community. She also served her church as an Elder and Deacon and by organizing Mother-Daughter Banquets and Women’s Association activities. Laurel was known for her generosity and warm heart. She loved others deeply but ercely loved her family. Her sons Eric, Luke
and Morgan were her pride and joy and she considered them her own “gifts from God”. She spent many years attending school activities, sporting events, volunteering as room mom and leading the Booster Club. She was her boys’ and grandkids biggest fan. Laurel is survived by her husband Herbert, sons Eric (Vicki), Luke (Sandy) and Morgan (Tina), her beloved grandchildren Jerrett (Valerie), Mason, Kaden, Tyler (Sarah and great-granddaughter Abigail), Andrew (Allison), Matthew, Austin, Allison and Alayna and her special nephew Bryce Olsen. Her friends eresa and Jim Hood, Sidney Linzmaier, Diann LaVere were very dear to her heart. She was preceded in death by her parents, much loved Aunt Lorraine Poulson, Aunt Norma and Uncle Leif Olsen and brother Bruce Olsen. As testimony to Laurel’s heart, she has requested in lieu of owers to “please do something for someone in need, check on your neighbor, visit someone who is lonely, give to a food bank, or donate a coat for child in need.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-13.
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