Douglas County Confronts COVID-19 In Homeless Population

The homeless population in Douglas County will get some strategic help in the fight against COVID-19; the county will use federal funding to help contain the spread of the virus throughout the homeless in the area.

Members of the Douglas County Executive Board approved spending $10,000 worth of the money it received from the American Rescue Plan Act. The funding will assist to "shelter homeless individuals who test positive for COVID-19".

While the COVID-19 virus hasn't affected the homeless population in our area to great degree, county officials wanted to be prepared. The approved funding will "allow for safe and adequate shelter during the period when COVID-positive individuals are contagious". According to Anna Carlson - the Director of Health and Human Services for Douglas County, this provides two beneficial elements:

"Sheltering is a vital human service, and this would have a significant impact on keeping our homeless population safe and health. Assuredly, this would also decrease the risk of potential spread of the COVID-19 virus throughout other members of our community."

According to the Superior Telegram [paywall], COVID-19 numbers are slightly increasing - but at significantly lower levels than last year at this time. "In November, 626 people tested positive for COVID-19 in Douglas County, slightly more than half the number of people who tested positive during the height of the pandemic in November 2020."

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County health officials are seeing the increases less in general population and more in contained social settings. There is also an added increase in the number of teenagers in Douglas County contracting and testing positive for COVID-19.

What Do I Do If I Lose My COVID-19 Vaccination Card?

When you get your COVID-19 vaccine, you're handed a card that details the date, manufacturer variety, and location of your dose. If you're getting one of the two-dose vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna), you'll need that card to coordinate your second and final dose. But even with the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine and even after getting the second shot, you'll need to keep that card in a safe place.

While nationwide vaccine mandates aren't a thing at the present time, there are a variety of times you might need that card even after completing the vaccine process. Many schools (primary, secondary, and higher education) are requiring the COVID-19 vaccine similar to other vaccinations. Additionally, some entertainment venues and mass transportation are requiring either proof of a negative COVID test or the vaccine card.

So what happens if you lose it? Relax. There are ways of obtaining a replacement - and they differ slightly whether you've lost it before getting both doses or after.