SAGUACHE — The Saguache Board of County Commissioners met with the Center Town Board Tuesday during a special meeting via phone to discuss the COVID-19 outbreak in the Center community, Center Town Administrator Brian Lujan in an email Tuesday. Over Memorial Day weekend, COVID-19 positive cases jumped from 36 to 51 in Saguache County. Final test results are not back from the 60 tests conducted in Center Friday, May 22, but SLV health officials have confirmed that there are positive cases. An exact number has not been released.

The two boards discussed methods of educating and containing the outbreak. The town, Saguache Office of Emergency Management and Saguache Public Health all agreed to work together to contain the spread of the virus. Town officials complained that they are having difficulty in enforcing the quarantine for those who have tested positive for COVID-19.

To help increase awareness, the town will have banners made to put in high-traffic areas of the community and CDOT side-of-road alert signs will be placed on Highways 285 and 112 entering into the town to warn visitors of the outbreak.

Chief of Police Dale Meek and the Center fire chief will team up to have an officer and firefighter drive around and deliver a brief message to community residents over the public address system.  Officials also are looking at possible public service announcements on the radio to inform people COVID-19 has infected the area, and to take all precautions to protect themselves and their families as well as all members of the community.

Mask order
Following the sharp rise in Saguache County COVID-19 cases and the death of a Center man from the virus, Center Town Board enacted an emergency order last week requiring all citizens entering any businesses in town to wear protective masks at all times.

Masks also must be worn in other public indoor or outdoor spaces where persons are unable to maintain safe social distancing (six or more feet separation) from others not living in their own household. Local seamstresses are working to provide masks for Center residents.

All business establishment employees must also wear face coverings during working hours.

The order will remain in place until June 30 unless lifted or extended, Town Administrator Brian Lujan said Wednesday. All those who have tested positive for COVID-19 or any individuals who have been advised by medical personnel to self-quarantine must not leave their homes until cleared by their health care provider.

Center parks also are closed to the public.