Health Officials Issue Stricter Measures as COVID-19 Surges

TEN COLORADO COUNTIES IN SEVERE RISK

Newsroom El Comercio de Colorado

Haga click aquí para leer la versión en español

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) issued a new public health order that updates COVID-19 dial framework. The order now includes Level Red to indicate counties where there is severe risk of COVID-19 spreading rapidly, while allowing some businesses to remain open at very limited capacity. An additional sixth level, purple, indicating extreme risk, has also been added to the dial, representing hospital capacity risks being breached and that most businesses and indoor services must be closed.

The new public health order entered into effect on Friday, Nov. 20. “We are adding new levels to the dial in response to out-of-control COVID-19 transmission across the state. Coloradans must take proactive steps to reduce the spread of the virus to protect their families and communities,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, CDPHE’s executive director. She continued, “Wear a mask, avoid in-person interactions with people from outside your household, and wash your hands frequently.

Hospitals Suffering a Strain

Ryan further emphasized “If we are not careful now, we risk plunging into the deep end of the dial, where hospitals are not able to serve everyone who needs care, whether they are COVID-19 patients or other types of patients. It’s up to all Coloradans to help our essential health care workers save lives.” Rising case numbers, record hospitalizations, and increasing positivity rates all indicate that there is more coronavirus in our Colorado’s communities now than there was in the spring. “Hospitals are suffering a strain. Eighty-six percent of ICU beds are full,” Ryan concluded.

Counties at severe risk

Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, La Plata, Logan, Mesa, Morgan, Routt, Summit and Washington counties are now on the red zone. As a result, they are applying some restrictions.

Indoor dining is temporarily closed.
Outdoor dining with a last call at 8 p.m.

(Only to customers in groups with members of their own household)

Restaurants and coffee shops can still offer take-out and delivery.
Bars remain closed.
Gyms can operate at 10 percent capacity or allow up to 10 people per room with reservations.
In-person personal gatherings are not permitted.
All gatherings between households of any size should not be taking place.
All at-risk populations are recommended to stay at home.