Weld County Chair, Pro-Tem and

January 20, 2021 Lost Creek Guide Page 3 2021 Weld County Chair, Pro-Tem and Department Coordinators Selected

WELD COUNTY, CO — Today, the Weld County Board of Commissioners welcomed two CJAC Criminal Justice Advisory Committee; and Pre-Trial Services Advisory Board. new commissioners and one incumbent was sworn in. Commissioner Lori Saine and Com- Commissioner Mike Freeman: CJAC Criminal Justice Advisory Committee (alternate missioner Perry Buck joined the board for their first term, while Commissioner Mike Free- member); Federal Mineral Lease Act Board; Greeley-Weld County Airport Authority; and man was sworn in for his third consecutive term. Regional Communications Advisory Board

As required by the Weld County Home Rule Charter, the Board of County Commissioners Commissioner Lori Saine: E-470 Public Highway Authority; Extension Advisory Council; must elect a Chair of the Board and Chair Pro-Tem at the start of their first annual meeting and Island Grove Park Advisory Board. each year. The board elected Steve Moreno to serve as the Chair for 2021 and Scott James to Commissioner Perry Buck: Human Services Advisory Commission; Emergency Food and serve as the Chair Pro-Tem. The Chair presides over meetings of the Board of Commission- Shelter Program Board; North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization (alternate ers; the Pro-Tem presides member); and Upstate Colorado Economic Development Board. over meetings in the Chair’s To learn more about the Weld County Commissioners, please visit https://www.weldgov. absence. com/government/elected_officials/board_of_county_commissioners. The board also appointed Commissioner Coordinators for each of the county’s Why should you question the experts? major departments. Ac- Dr. Faucci stated the first week of January that the COVID 19 virus was no more than cording to the Charter, the a bad cold. Departments of Finance, Purchasing and Personnel are to be coordinated by the Chair of the Board. The 2021 coordinator roles are as follows: Commissioner Steve Moreno: Departments of Finance Administration, Purchasing and Human Resources (with Commissioner Scott James as the assistant coordinator) Following are some predictions from the experts we were told: Wear masks and keep social distancing. Immediately followed by a demonstration on tv that a cough or sneeze with a mask could travel sixteen feet. We were told it would protect you but not others. Next in an interview the head of the CDC stated that the mask was more effective than a vaccine. A reporter asked would it help people in the work force area with smoke particulates. His answer was no, the smoke particles were too small. The diligent reporter asked what was the particulate size compared to the virus? His answer was the virus was one tenth the size of the smoke particles. The young reporter asked do you even think about what you are saying. Do not have to be a genius to know that if it won’t keep the smoke particles out it is not going to keep the virus, which is one tenth the size of the smoke particles out.

Commissioner Scott James: Departments of Health, Information Technology, and Public I am sure everyone has seen and heard these two items but because we are visually Safety Communications (with Commissioner Mike Freeman as the assistant coordinator) mesmerized. We hear what is said but do not really listen. Then they said this hydroxy-

Commissioner Mike Freeman: Department of Public Works (with Commissioner Steve chloroquine would kill us all. They got so far out there the Atlantic Journal of Medicine Moreno as the assistant coordinator) had to print retractions and this is in spite of the fact in most of the world you can buy it

Commissioner Lori Saine: Department of Planning Services (with Commissioner Perry over the counter, like aspirin. They threaten doctors who reported successful mitigation. Buck as the assistant coordinator) One doctor reported he tested 300 patients in a nursing home, and none died. Another

Commissioner Perry Buck: Department of Human Services (with Commissioner Lori doctor was not as lucky, he had 78 patients and one died. He pointed out that some of Saine as the assistant coordinator) the patients would have died in a few days without the virus. Wear the mask if you have

Appointments to advisory boards were also made today: anxiety but do not expect it to protect you.

Commissioner Steve Moreno: Weld County Bright Futures Board; Greeley-Weld County An older citizen who would like to believe but …… Airport Authority; and Upstate Colorado Economic Development Board.

Commissioner Scott James: 911 Emergency Telephone Service Authority Board; Weld County Bright Futures Board; North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization;

Weld County Health Department Continues to Provide Vaccinations to Phase 1 Groups, Works with Local Health Partner to Prepare for Next Steps Edwards Flowerlan has your Valentine’s Day covered! d

Weld County, CO – Continuing its efforts to provide vaccinations to high-risk frontline healthcare workers and first responders, the Weld County Department of Health and Environment (WCDPHE) has received and administered approximately 400 vaccines. When paired with vaccines provided to area hospitals and healthcare facilities, an estimated 6,400 Weld County residents have received the vaccination for COVID-19. This number represents about 2% of the population, which is on par with the vaccination rates across Colorado.

In December, WCDPHE staff, in coordination with the county’s Office of Emergency Management, prepared and released a survey to the local medical society, dental society, and first responders such as law, fire and EMS through the Health Alert Network and the county’s ReadyOp system. The survey was crucial in coordinating and planning vaccine distribution to the state’s Phase 1A and 1B list locally. To date, 226 Weld County agencies have responded to the survey and coordinated a time a 1201 East Platte Ave. * Ft. Morgan, CO 80701 location to receive vaccinations for individuals in their agencies.

As the vaccine continues to roll out nationally, Weld County is receiving limited doses from the state. Because of this, local health partners are working together to make sure individuals who are eligible to receive the vaccine are contacted and scheduled. Regular meetings and updates among WCDPHE, Banner Health, UCHealth, Salud Clinics, Sunrise Health and Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth (SCL) continue to be held to ensure the most efficient processes are in place for vaccine distribution. These meetings are valuable as the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is direct shipping vaccines to these organizations. The communication and coordination of this group will help reduce duplication of efforts and ensure the most complete coverage possible for efficient movement through the state’s vaccination schedule. WCDPHE is also working to expand the distribution capacity throughout the county by helping other providers get enrolled with the state to be able to receive and distribute the vaccine.

Phase 1 vaccinations will continue to occur over the winter months, and as more vaccines become available, WCDPHE will continue to focus on working with frontline workers and hospitals. Hospitals and healthcare agencies will work with the 70+ population.

The following groups are currently eligible to register and receive COVID-19 vaccination:

Phase 1A - Highest risk healthcare workers and individuals: People who have direct contact with COVID-19 patients; Long-term care facility staff and residents

Phase 1B - Moderate risk individuals and 70+ population: COVID response personnel; Police and Firefighters; Correctional facility workers; Emergency medical service personnel; Funeral services workers; Healthcare workers; Long term care facility staff; Long term care residents

For more information: For general questions about COVID-19, including vaccinations, healthcare partners who are also providing vaccinations, please visit: https:// www.weldgov.com/departments/health_and_environment/2019_novel_coronavirus/vaccine_information.