WebberCast with CHRISTUS St. Vincent Public Health Experts

PLUS: City Hosting Moderna Vaccination Open House Tomorrow at Midtown

Mayor Alan Webber was joined this morning for a video conference with CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Medical Center leaders for a discussion of concerns and recommendations for public safety in light of the current and anticipated COVID caseloads at the hospital and in the community. The panelists are Lillian Montoya, President and CEO; Dr. Theresa Ronan; and Dr. James Marx.

Watch the video on YouTube by clicking above or on the Mayor Alan Webber Facebook page.

Need to Know:

• The hospital experienced a spike in admissions the week after Thanksgiving and expects more after Christmas and New Year socializing.
• 80 percent of admitted patients are not fully vaccinated (two shots or one J&J). Fully vaccinated patients are less likely to pass away.
• Younger COVID patients are dying in higher numbers than previously.
• Most of the current cases are Delta variant. Omicron is expected to spread locally in coming weeks and months.
• Call the hospital (505) 913-3080 to make appointments for tests or vaccinations, including for pediatrics/children ages 5-11. Or consult the DOH website
• If you take the over-the-counter antigen test, use both of them in the package; the first one can result in false negatives.
• If you're symptomatic, get the PCR test and contact your health care provider.
• Even if you're boosted you're still at risk. Wear a mask.
• If you're not vaccinated, think twice about coming out on New Year's Eve.
• Vaccination is the best defense.

Get vaccinated or boosted tomorrow: The City invites people 18 and older to receive Moderna vaccinations at the Public Safety Building on the Midtown site tomorrow between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. It doesn’t matter which vaccine you’ve had, you can take a Moderna booster. It’s better to register on the DOH website, but walk-ups may receive shots. Bring vaccination card and photo ID. Directions: Enter the Midtown Site off St. Michael’s Dr., turn right at the T intersection, follow Campus Drive to the second drive on the left; enter the Garson Theater parking lot. The Public Safety Building (#2) is directly adjacent the Garson Theater.

Mayor Webber says: "The people at Christus and other hospitals and clinics have done an amazing job and our community has done an amazing job. The people of Santa Fe and northern New Mexico are courageous, considerate, and thoughtful and they understand the severity of the pandemic. The numbers are amazing. In Santa Fe County 99 percent of residents 18 and older have had at least one dose and almost 86 percent are fully vaccinated. That's a great record! We still see people wearing masks everywhere they go because it's a sign of respect and concern for your neighbors and your family.

"Let's stay vigilant. Let's be aware that Omicron and other things will continue to change this pandemic and we are all in it together. We've got amazing health care providers. It's not just your physical health it's your mental health, and this is a stressful time. If you need help, get help.

"Let's go back to what we did before and be careful and considerate and community-minded. ... Please share this message with your families and co-workers. Let's have a safe New Year's and go into 2022 safe and together, taking care of each other."