More than 361,000 people in Colorado have tested positive for COVID-19 and 19,985 have been hospitalized as of Sunday afternoon, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
READ MORE: COVID-19 vaccine FAQs | List of Colorado businesses that are open
Click here for the latest update on the number of cases, the age, gender and location of presumptive positive, indeterminate and confirmed cases from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Below, we're updating this blog with the latest information regarding COVID-19 in Colorado.
Latest updates:
Sunday, Jan. 17
Here are the latest coronavirus numbers for Colorado, as of 4 p.m. Sunday, with the change from Saturday in parentheses:
374,981 cases (+1,498)
20,687 hospitalized (+23)
64 counties
2,296,100 people tested (+7,898)
5,007,126 test encounters (+33,385)
5,379 deaths among cases (+16)
4,502 deaths due to COVID-19 (+0)
3,286 outbreaks (+0)
The latest hospital data showed 879 beds in use by confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients. Colorado's three-day average positivity rate for COVID-19 tests Saturday was 5.26%. The state's goal is to remain below 5%.
Colorado as of Sunday had administered vaccines to 273,340 people, 13,978 more than Saturday. Of those, 49,595 people have received two doses, 616 more than Saturday.
Saturday, Jan. 16
Here are the latest coronavirus numbers for Colorado, as of 4 p.m. Saturday, with the change from Friday in parentheses:
373,483 cases (+2,025)
20,664 hospitalized (+37)
64 counties
2,288,202 people tested (+8,588)
4,973,741 test encounters (+36,638)
5,363 deaths among cases (+20)
4,502 deaths due to COVID-19 (+0)
3,286 outbreaks (+5)
The latest hospital data showed 911 beds in use by confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients. Colorado's three-day average positivity rate for COVID-19 tests Friday was 5.30%. The state's goal is to remain below 5%.
Colorado as of Saturday had administered vaccines to 259,362 people, 19,747 more than Friday. Of those, 48,979 people have received two doses, 971 more than Friday.
Friday, Jan. 15
9 p.m. | CSU to require COVID-19 screenings for spring semester
Colorado State University (CSU) announced their plans for mandatory COVID-19 screenings for certain staff and students for the spring semester.
CSU will require the following students, faculty and staff to screen weekly beginning Jan. 18:
- All students living in University housing
- All students living in a fraternity or sorority house
- All freshmen and sophomores in one or more face-to-face or lab courses
- All staff who are regularly physically on a CSU campus or other university grounds in Larimer County, including staff involved in research
- All faculty, instructors and graduate teaching assistants who are teaching a face-to-face class or laboratory who are regularly physically on a CSU campus or other university grounds in Larimer County
Students, faculty and staff who aren't required to screen may still participate as often as they like.
The following groups are currently exempt from mandatory screenings:
- Students who are taking online classes only and who are not living in University housing or a fraternity or sorority house
- Employees who are working remotely exclusively and are not regularly on a campus or CSU worksite in Larimer County
- Anyone who has tested positive in the last 90 days by testing at a CSU testing site OR who has submitted proof of that positive test to CSU Public Health should not screen until 90 days have passed since their positive test
Additional students, faculty and staff will be added to a mandatory schedule in the coming weeks that will include all junior, senior, graduate, professional or second bachelor students in one or more face-to-face or lab courses, all students in one or more hybrid class who are not already screening, and all faculty, instructors and graduate teaching assistants who are teaching a hybrid class and are not already screening.
To screen, all students, faculty and staff must first register for screenings and then schedule a screening time after registering.
8:05 p.m. | Pueblo County temporarily closes drive-thru clinic after running out of vaccines, administering 1,000 doses
After administering more than 1,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in Pueblo County to residents 70 and older, the county now has to temporarily close their clinic.
The county said it's because they need to wait for more vaccines to arrive, which won't happen until next week. They anticipate being closed until at least mid-week.
“While we are frustrated, we ask that everyone have patience recognizing we are waiting for more vaccine to arrive,” said Randy Evetts, Public Health Director at the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment. “We are pleased at what Pueblo has accomplished this week with the vaccine Pueblo received. This is a great example of Pueblo coming together for the community with the help of many partners.”
Pueblo County has been vaccinating the age group for four days this week.
Residents in Pueblo County 70 and older can sign up to be vaccinated at this website or by calling (719) 583-4444.
4 p.m. | Colorado sees 2,000+ new cases of COVID-19 for 3rd straight day in a row as hospitalizations decrease
Colorado reported over 2,000 new cases of the novel coronavirus for third straight day Friday, as hospitalizations for confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 continued to decrease to levels not seen since early November, according to the latest data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
371,458 cases (+2,281)
20,627 hospitalized (+101)
64 counties (+0)
2,279,614 people tested (+8,852)
4,937,103 test encounters (+41,266)
5,343 deaths among cases (+27)
4,502 deaths due to COVID-19 (+92)
3,281 outbreaks (+8)
The latest hospital data showed 891 beds in use by confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients – 12 fewer than Thursday with 105 patients discharged or transferred from hospitals over the past 24 hours and 93% of hospitals reporting. Thursday's seven- and three-day average positivity rates in Colorado were 6.10% and 5.59%, respectively. Colorado's goal is to remain below 5%.
Colorado as of Friday had administered vaccines to 239,615 people, 15,788 more than Thursday. Of those, 48,008 people have received two doses, 1,111 more than Wednesday.
8:07 a.m. | Press conference on COVID-19 in Colorado set for 12:30 p.m.
Gov. Jared Polis will provide an update on the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic today at 12:30 p.m. Dr. Kit Kieling, president and COO of Orderly Health, will join him.
Denver7 will stream this on our mobile, Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire apps, as well as our Facebook page.
Thursday, Jan. 14
8:30 p.m. | 300 doses of COVID-19 vaccine unusable in Pueblo following storage unit malfunction
Pueblo Local Public Health rendered 300 doses of the Pfizer vaccine unusable after a portable vaccine storage unit malfunction, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Thursday.
CDPHE did not release further details into what happened.
In a statement, CDPHE said, "The state’s goal is to use every single available vaccine, acknowledging that emergencies may occur infrequently in the distribution process."
4 p.m. | Latest COVID-19 numbers
Here are the latest coronavirus numbers for Colorado, as of 4 p.m. Thursday, with the change from Wednesday in parentheses:
369,177 cases (+2,403)
20,526 hospitalized (+94)
64 counties (+0)
2,270,762 people tested (+8,390)
4,895,837 test encounters (+38,882)
5,316 deaths among cases (+31)
4,410 deaths due to COVID-19 (+24)
3,273 outbreaks (+11)
The latest hospital data showed 903 beds in use by confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients, 17 more than Wednesday. Colorado's three-day average positivity rate for COVID-19 tests Wednesday was 5.93%. The state's goal is to remain below 5%.
Colorado as of Thursday had administered vaccines to 223,827 people, 14,450 more than Wednesday. Of those, 46,897 people have received two doses, 2,923 more than Wednesday.
7 a.m. | Latest CDLE numbers
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) reported today that 14,123 regular initial unemployment claims were filed during the week ending on Jan. 9.
As noted last week, the CDLE has seen an increase in reports of UI fraud and noted that it's likely connected to the expiration of CARES Act programs. Therefore, the initial claims estimate for the week ending Jan. 9 has been adjusted in an attempt to account for fraudulent activity within regular UI. The CDLE said additionally, initial claims for the three weeks prior were revised down to the following figures in order to adjust for fraud: the week ending Dec. 19th (18,121), the week ending Dec. 26 (16,660), and the week ending Jan. 2 (25,178).
Going forward, CDLE will adjust regular UI initial claims data for fraudulent activity.
Since mid-March, an estimated total of 756,534 regular initial unemployment claims have been filed. An estimated grand total of 1,008,458 claims, including federal PUA benefits, were filed.
For the week ending Jan. 2, a combined total of 308,015 continued claims were filed from the regular UI (146,723), PUA (90,511), and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (70,781) programs.
Wednesday, Jan. 13
6:40 p.m. | 5th case of contagious COVID-19 variant confirmed in Colorado
A fifth case of the COVID-19 variant B 1. 1.7 has been confirmed in Colorado, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
The most recent case involves someone from Boulder County in their 20s. A private lab discovered the variant, and the state lab confirmed it.
CDPHE said they'll now include the number of variant cases on their COVID-19 data dashboard beginning Thursday. The data is updated every day around 4 p.m.
“Our state lab was the first in the country to identify a B 1.1.7 variant case through sophisticated analysis of testing samples,” said Scott Bookman, COVID-19 response incident commander. “Scientists believe this variant is far more contagious, so I’m pleased we are adding this information to our website to help keep Coloradans informed of disease transmission trends in our state.”
There's now routine screening of all samples submitted to the state lab for COVID-19 diagnostic testing for the B 1.1.7 variant. CDPHE is doing about 5-10% of the statewide testing analysis and has asked other labs in the state to submit batches of positive tests so they can also be screened.
5:20 p.m. | Colorado health officials continue to warn of mysterious MIS-C syndrome seen in children
There have now been 29 cases confirmed in Colorado of a still-mysterious inflammatory syndrome seen in children and young adults that is believed to be an after-effect of the virus that causes COVID-19, state public health officials said Wednesday.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) said that Colorado hospitals reported the highest number of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) in December than had been reported thus far throughout the pandemic.
The department said that data corresponds with the spike in COVID-19 cases the state saw during October and November and that it expects the number of cases to grow as the CDC continues to review possible December cases.
Public health officials and scientists are still working to find out more about the syndrome, which most often appears in children who have had COVID-19 or been exposed to someone who had the virus. But the CDPHE said that the official cause of MIS-C has still not been determined.
The department first warned about MIS-C back in May, when three children were confirmed to have the syndrome. By July, two people had died from MIS-C – deaths which the state said occurred in the spring.
The CDPHE said Wednesday there have been no further deaths linked with the syndrome, which generally affects children ages 5-15 but has been found in young adults up to age 20 – including a 20-year-old from Boulder County the local public health department identified in October.
With some Colorado schoolchildren heading back to the classroom, and more districts hopeful they can start that process soon, the CDPHE’s chief medical officer said it was time to remind people that the syndrome can occur in children who often have either mild cases of COVID-19 or who are asymptomatic.
“There’s still a lot we don’t know about MIS-C and the notable increase in cases is a clear reminder that our children are also at risk of serious complications from COVID-19,” said CDPHE Chief Medical Officer Dr. Eric France. “As in-person learning resumes, it’s important that students continue to take measures to decrease the spread of COVID-19, such as masking, practicing physical distancing, hand washing, and staying home when they are ill.”
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4:30 p.m. | Latest coronavirus numbers
After two days of growing hospitalizations for confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Colorado, 44 fewer people were hospitalized for confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 Wednesday, according to the latest data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
366,774 cases (+2,438)
20,432 hospitalized (+152)
64 counties (+0)
2,262,372 people tested (+9,350)
4,856,955 test encounters (+35,319)
5,285 deaths among cases (+43)
4,386 deaths due to COVID-19 (+105)
3,262 outbreaks (+53)
The latest hospital data showed 886 beds in use by confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients. The latest seven- and three-day average positivity rates in Colorado were 6.64% and 6.40%, respectively. Colorado's goal is to remain below 5%.
As of Wednesday, 209,377 people have been immunized with one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 43,974 people have been immunized with two doses. There are 414 vaccine providers.
10:20 a.m. | CU Boulder students return to campus
CU Boulder confirms that students will resume in-person or hybrid learning and on-campus activities beginning Feb. 15. Students can move back into residence halls beginning on Feb. 7.
Students will remain fully remote and in online classes until then.
9:37 a.m. | Denver waives restaurant renewal licensing fees for 2021 in wake of pandemic
Denver will be waiving its 2021 renewal fees - which normally range from approximately $125 to $500 per location - for all restaurants across the city and county through December 2021 as the novel coronavirus pandemic continues to strain small businesses.
Licensing is still required, however, but businesses that have already paid their restaurant renewal fees for 2021 can call 311 and request a refund from the Department of Excise and Licenses.
There are currently 1,571 licensed retail food establishments in the City and County of Denver. That is down 36% from the 2,428 licensed retail food establishments pre-COIVD-19 pandemic on February 28, 2020, according to city officials.
Tuesday, Jan. 12
4 p.m. | Colorado continues to see slight uptick in hospitalizations but new cases remain below 2,000
Hospitalizations for confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Colorado saw a slight uptick for the second day in a row, with 16 more people being admitted for confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19, according to the latest data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), though the number of new cases remains in the mid-1,000s.
364,336 cases (+1,511)
20,280 hospitalized (+265)
64 counties (+0)
2,253,022 people tested (+5,567)
4,821,636 test encounters (+23,473)
5,242 deaths among cases (+29)
4,281 deaths due to COVID-19 (+98)
3,209 outbreaks (+22)
The latest hospital data showed 930 beds in use by confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients – 16 more than Monday with 106 patients discharged or transferred from hospitals over the past 24 hours and 95% of hospitals reporting. Tuesday's seven- and three-day average positivity rates in Colorado were 7.08% and 6.46%, respectively. Colorado's goal is to remain below 5%.
As of Tuesday, 198,086 people have been immunized with one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. There are 401 vaccine providers.
Monday, Jan. 11
4 p.m. | Hospitalizations due to COVID-19 in Colorado see slight uptick
Hospitalizations for COVID-19 in Colorado saw a slight uptick Monday after a week-long decline. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) said in its latest data that 32 people were hospitalized for confirmed case of the disease - nine others that were hospitalized were suspected cases, according to the latest data.
Here are the latest coronavirus numbers for Colorado, as of 4 p.m. Monday, with the change from Sunday in parentheses:
362,825 cases (+1,677)
20,015 hospitalized (+30)
64 counties (+0)
2,247,455 tested (+7,538)
4,798,163 test encounters (+27,412)
5,213 deaths among cases (+5)
4,183 deaths due to COVID-19 (+76)
3,187 outbreaks (+8)
The latest hospital data showed 914 beds in use by confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients, 41 more than Sunday. Colorado's three-day average positivity rate is 7.63%. The state's goal is to remain below 5%.
As of Monday, 187,641 Coloradans had received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. People with two doses was up to 35,798.
12:05 p.m. | Extensions, amendment for executive orders
Gov. Jared Polis extended an Executive Order that increases the Medicaid home health workforce and eliminates cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing and treatment for Medicaid enrollees, according to a press release from his office.
Polis also extended an Executive Order related to criminal justice.
Lastly, Polis amended an Executive Order regarding the order of operations for surging hospital capacity for the State in relation to elective surgeries.
11:12 a.m. | Additional Paycheck Protection Program resources available for businesses
The Small Business Administration has reopened its Paycheck Protection Program this week, though it will initially serve community financial institutions today and Wednesday, according to the Colorado Secretary of State's Office.
The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter, a spokesperson with the office said Monday.
This round of PPP will deliver $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021. This round also allows certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.
8:20 a.m. | Pueblo COVID-19 vaccination clinic at capacity
The COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Pueblo Mall has already hit capacity. The Pueblo Police Department is asking residents to not drive to the site. The Pueblo Department of Health and Environment will announce the next vaccination clinic at a later time.
7:55 a.m. | New COVID-19 vaccine candidate clinical trial opens in Colorado
Researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and UCHealth on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus have started recruiting potential participants for a new COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial. This is the third COVID-19 vaccine trial underway at UCHealth locations.
The investigational vaccine, NVX-CoV2373, contains a protein antigen and the company’s Matrix-M™ adjuvant.
It is being evaluated in a phase 3 clinical trial sponsored by Novavax and supported by the National Institutes of Health.
Thousands of volunteers have stepped forward so far. The recruitment period will run about two months at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, which is the only hospital in Colorado participating in the trial.
Potential participants will be contacted through UCHealth’s My Health Connection patient portal and invited to participate if they meet certain criteria. Anyone who is interested in participating can also send an email to suzanne.fiorillo@cuanschutz.edu.
Click here for the COVID-19 live blog from Jan. 4-Jan. 10, 2021.
