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COVID Cases Rise in Colorado Schools

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886 POSITIVE CASES AMONG STUDENTS AND TEACHERS

El Comercio de Colorado Newsroom

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As we reach the third week of face-to-face classes, COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Colorado schools. According to the Colorado Department of Health (CDPHE), there were 747 new positive cases in the first weed of September. This figure means a 433 percent increase in the last seven days. Currently, there are a total of 886 COVID-19 cases among elementary, middle, and high school students, teachers, and staff in Colorado.

Rachel Herlihy, Colorado’s epidemiologist, says that students are the population group with the highest rates of infection today. Herlihy explained that school children are at risk of contracting the virus in schools but also by interacting with people in other places. 74 percent of children between 12 and 18 years of age have received at least one dose of the vaccine; but those under 11 still cannot be vaccinated. “It is risky to bring unvaccinated children to large gatherings,” said this expert.

The Numbers in Douglas County

Douglas County Schools show the highest number of positive COVID-19 cases. 238 cases have been reported in schools in that county as of September 7. With a population of 336,041 inhabitants, Douglas County has an infection rate of 70.8 per 100,000 inhabitants. This is the highest infection rate for a county in Colorado. The average infection rate in Colorado is currently 15.4 infections per 100,000 residents. Douglas County has resisted requiring the use of masks in schools.

In contrast, Adams, Arapahoe, Jefferson, and Weld counties have an infection rate below the state average. School districts in those counties have mask mandates for all school personnel. Masks must be worn indoors and on buses. For example, in the Greeley-Evans School District of Weld County, children between preschool and eighth grade are required to wear masks.

Children with Severe COVID-19 Cases

According to CDPHE data, of the nearly 1,000 people hospitalized as of Wednesday, September 7, 2 percent of them are between 10 and 19 years old. Meanwhile, children 9 years of age or younger account for 1 percent of hospitalizations. The American Academy of Pediatrics indicates that of the 7,537 deaths in Colorado attributed to COVID-19, 19 have been children and adolescents ages 0-19.

Asking for Cooperation

With the current spread of COVID-19, contact tracing is crucial. “The CDPHE asks the inhabitants of the State to participate in contact tracing together with local public health agencies. A local agency may call or email you after you test positive for the virus or have been exposed to someone infected. We need your help to track and report those who may have been exposed to the virus,” Herlihy said.