In addition to the deaths, the virus has infected 12 more people as the investigation continues
Durango, Colo.—A COVID-19 outbreak at Nissan of Durango has hit the dealership and a San Juan Basin Public Health (SJBPH) investigation is ongoing, the health department reported on Tuesday.
SJBPH has updated the number of positive COVID-19 cases associated with the dealership outbreak to 12 and the number of fatalities to three.
A fourth individual passed away after contracting COVID-19, however it does not meet the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) case definition to be added to the outbreak fatality list. The first case was identified on June 19. Five cases of the Delta variant have been confirmed in association with the outbreak through full-genome sequencing conducted by CDPHE.
As of Aug. 9, two of the 12 cases associated with the outbreak have been confirmed as “breakthrough” cases identified in fully vaccinated individuals.
Over the course of the investigation, SJBPH and Nissan of Durango have implemented mitigation response plans for the business, including testing and contact tracing. All positive cases associated with Nissan of Durango have been put on isolation and those identified as unvaccinated close contacts were put on quarantine.
An outbreak within a business is defined by CDPHE as five or more cases associated with a single facility in a 14-day period.
“The recent COVID-19 fatalities are a tragic loss for our community and a reminder that the pandemic is not over,” said Liane Jollon, executive director of SJBPH. “We’re very grateful for the cooperation of Nissan of Durango in response to this outbreak and to every business still working to keep our communities safe.
“We are heartbroken to report the recent COVID-19 related deaths. We urge everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible and follow SJBPH’s public health advisory by continuing to wear masks in public indoor settings like the grocery store and other businesses.”
The outbreak at Nissan of Durango followed one of the largest outbreaks SJBPH has investigated to date in Archuleta County at the Pagosa Springs Walmart. Cases of the Delta variant were identified in both outbreaks.
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