More than 523,000 people in Colorado have tested positive for COVID-19 and more than 28,600 have been hospitalized as of Sunday, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
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, May 16
4:54 p.m. | Latest coronavirus numbers
Here are the latest coronavirus numbers for Colorado, as of 4 p.m. Sunday, with the change from Saturday in parentheses:
531,700 cases (+630)
29,216 cases (+41)
64 counties (+0)
2,996,971 people tested (+2,733)
8,242,176 test encounters (+15,718)
6,450 deaths among cases (+8)
6,562 deaths due to COVID-19 (+0)
5,243 outbreaks (+0)
The latest hospital data showed 609 beds in use by confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients, 22 fewer than Saturday. Colorado's seven-day average positivity rate is 4.42%. The state's goal is to remain below 5%.
As of Sunday, 2,812,955 people have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 2,343,920 people have been fully vaccinated.
Saturday, May 15
4:03 p.m. | Latest coronavirus numbers
Here are the latest coronavirus numbers for Colorado, as of 4 p.m. Saturday, with the change from Friday in parentheses:
531,070 cases (+972)
29,175 cases (+54)
64 counties (+0)
2,994,238 people tested (+4,780)
8,226,458 test encounters (+26,717)
6,442 deaths among cases (+10)
6,562 deaths due to COVID-19 (+0)
5,243 outbreaks (+6)
The latest hospital data showed 631 beds in use by confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients, 1 fewer than Friday. Colorado's seven-day average positivity rate is 4.62%. The state's goal is to remain below 5%.
As of Saturday, 2,795,088 people have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 2,321,885 people have been fully vaccinated.
Friday, May 14
11:45 p.m. | Adams and Arapahoe counties moving to Level Clear
Beginning May 16, the Tri-County Health Department (TCHD) will move Adams and Arapahoe counties to Level Clear on their Simplified Dial.
This is TCHD’s 90-day Phase 2 Observation Period, where businesses, schools, restaurants and other facilities will be able to open at 100% capacity.
TCHD will monitor local conditions, particularly hospital admission rates. Counties may be moved to a more restrictive level on the Simplified Dial if they experience hospital admission rates higher than two hospital admissions per 100,000 people. Adams and Arapahoe Counties have not surpassed this metric since January.
TDHD’s face covering order will expire May 16.
TCHD will provide updated guidance on mask wearing for schools, childcare centers and businesses once once it has final understanding on details from the state.
As of May 11, 691,137, or 56.5%, of Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas county residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Of those, 537,308, or 43.9%, are fully vaccinated.
Douglas County had previously opted out of TCHD’s Simplified Dial order.
11:34 p.m. | Adams County employees returning to work in-person
All Adams County employees will return to full, in-person work at county buildings beginning June 2.
The county recently moved to a four-day building schedule for the Government Center, Human Services Center, Motor Vehicle locations, Recording and Elections, with building hours from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Board of County Commissioners public hearings, land use cases and study sessions will return to in-person meetings June 15. The county is working on a plan to accommodate both in-person and virtual options for public hearings and study sessions through the end of the year.
Adams County will continue to comply with all state and local public health orders in place.
11:26 p.m. | CDPHE and Colorado School of Public Health release latest COVID-19 modeling data
An updated statewide modeling report indicates COVID-19 infections are still spreading at a high level in Colorado, but as more Coloradans are vaccinated, the modeling projects infections and hospitalizations will continue to go down if the current level of transmission control is maintained.
The effective reproduction number for COVID-19 is 1.02 statewide, which means the virus is still spreading at a high level. Currently, 1 in 81 Coloradans are estimated to be infected, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Colorado School of Public Health.
Modeling indicates the the course of the epidemic curve into summer depends on vaccinating more Coloradans in the next few weeks and maintaining the current level of transmission.
CDPHE says continued high levels of hospitalizations and infections are likely due to increased mobility and the spread of infection among the Coloradans who aren’t immune. As of Friday, 48% of all Coloradans are estimated to be immune due to vaccination or prior infection, and 47% are estimated to have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Adults ages 40-64 currently account for the greatest number of COVID-19 hospital admissions.
In total, 55% of the eligible population are now vaccinated with at least one dose, and 47% of the eligible population are fully vaccinated.
11:16 p.m. | Eagle County plans to lift public health orders one week early
Eagle County Public Health and Environment (ECPHE) announced Friday it intends to lift all local public health orders related to COVID-19 as of May 19, one week earlier than expected.
ECPHE said disease incidence is showing a steady decline and vaccination rates continue to rise in the county.
The current public health order was slated to run through May 27, and the intention was to lift restrictions if disease incidence and hospitalization rates decreased and vaccination rates for the total population reached 60%. Those milestones were reached last week.
Rescinding the order removes all local requirements for mask use, gathering and capacity restrictions, and physical distancing. Federal regulations still require masks when using public transportation, which includes ECO Transit and the Eagle County Regional Airport.
5:15 p.m. | Colorado Rockies approved to welcome 35,000 fans starting June 1 after getting the OK from the DDPHE
If you’re ready to play ball – or rather, watch the Rockies play ball – we’ve got some good news: Coors Field will welcome you and 34,999 other fans to watch them play starting June 1.
The Colorado Rockies announced Friday they received approval from the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) to increase capacity at Coors Field to 70% - up from the 42.6% they were allowed back in early March.
That means 35,000 fans in total will be able to watch the Rockies play on the field this summer.
“This announcement is a great way to kick off the summer and welcome even more fans back to LoDo and Coors Field,” said Rockies President Greg Feasel in a statement. “We want to again thank the City and County of Denver, their health officials, along with MLB for partnering with us to get to this point, as we continue to ensure that we provide a safe and enjoyable environment for our fans.”
We know what you’re wondering: What about the masks?
The Rockies said in a statement they’re still operating under the previous variance, which mandates wearing a mask when inside Coors Field. That variance, however, expires on May 16, when Denver is expected to move to “Level Clear.”
5:11 p.m. | Polis lifts Colorado mask mandate, outlines 'suggestions' to replace requirements
Gov. Jared Polis on Friday lifted Colorado's mask requirement in most settings, calling the change in the state order a shift from requirements to "suggestions."
Polis' announcement came one day after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced new guidance that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask indoors.
Colorado's guidance announced by Polis on Friday was in line with the CDC guidance — fully vaccinated Coloradans do not need to wear a mask in most settings, though Polis acknowledged that some businesses will still require masks and he said Coloradans should respect those decisions.
Polis said the state is advising — but not requiring — unvaccinated people to continue wearing a mask indoors in a setting with more than 10 people.
Several settings will still fall under a state mask mandate for unvaccinated people, including prisons and jails, emergency care settings, congregate care facilities and child care businesses. Those requirements will be in place through June 1, Polis said.
4:36 p.m. | Latest coronavirus numbers
Here are the latest coronavirus numbers for Colorado, as of 4 p.m. Friday, with the change from Thursday in parentheses:
530,098 cases (+1,565)
29,121 cases (+59)
64 counties (+0)
2,989,458 people tested (+7,208)
8,199,741 test encounters (+40,138)
6,432 deaths among cases (+9)
6,562 deaths due to COVID-19 (+6)
5,237 outbreaks (+14)
The latest hospital data showed 632 beds in use by confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients, 14 fewer than Thursday. Colorado's seven-day average positivity rate is 4.94%. The state's goal is to remain below 5%.
As of Friday, 2,774,646 people have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 2,290,833 people have been fully vaccinated.
Thursday, May 13
11 p.m. | Boulder County reaches 70% vaccination
More than 191,000 residents of Boulder County residents 16 and older have received at least one dose of the COVID-19, which is 70% of their eligible population, according to Boulder County Public Health (BCPH).
BCPH says one of the biggest mass vaccination efforts since the polio vaccine in the 1950s.
While BCPH celebrates the milestone, it recognizes there's still 30% of the eligible population who remains unvaccinated.
“We know there is a part of the population who is hesitant about getting the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Sheila Davis, Boulder County Public Health Equity Coordinator. “The vaccine is safe, effective and has gone through a very thorough safety process where scientists, researchers and academics monitor safety.”
6:53 p.m. | Denver anticipates move to Level Clear
With most counties in the Denver metro area moving to Level Clear on Sunday – meaning offices, restaurants and indoor businesses can reopen to 100% capacity – the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment says it anticipates doing so as well but is still finalizing its plans.
“Denver anticipates aligning with regional and State partners upon the expiration of our current public health order this weekend. We are still finalizing the specifics of the public health order and will be releasing details tomorrow,” said DDPHE spokesperson Clarissa Boggs-Blake.
“Denver encourages all eligible residents to get vaccinated and thanks our community for the great response,” she added. “With 65% of our residents vaccinated with at least a first dose, continued progress remains critical to keep case rates low and minimize public health restrictions."
More counties moving to Level Clear:
- Jefferson County: Will move to an observation period from May 16-August 15. It will stay in Level Clear during this time period
- Broomfield County: Level Blue expires on May 15 and it will move to Level Clear
- Tri-County (Douglas, Arapahoe, Adams counties): Will move to an observation period from May 16-August 16. It will stay in Level Clear during this time period
- Boulder County: On May 16, if new hospital admissions remain low, Boulder County will enter Level Clear for 90 days for an observation period
4 p.m. | Latest coronavirus numbers
Here are the latest coronavirus numbers for Colorado, as of 4 p.m. Thursday, with the change from Wednesday in parentheses:
528,533 cases (+1,846)
29,062 hospitalized (+102)
64 counties (+0)
2,982,250 people tested (+10,237)
8,159,603 test encounters (+43,254)
6,423 deaths among cases (+21)
6,556 deaths due to COVID-19 (+10)
5,223 outbreaks (+17)
The latest hospital data showed 646 beds in use by confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients, 35 fewer than Wednesday. Colorado's seven-day average positivity rate is 5.18%. The state's goal is to remain below 5%.
As of Thursday, 2,759,852 people have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 2,256,210 people have been fully vaccinated.
7:35 a.m.| Colorado unemployment numbers
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) reported today that an estimated 4,395 regular initial unemployment claims were filed during the week ending May 8. This represents the first time since the start of the pandemic that Colorado has registered consecutive weeks with fewer than 5,000 regular initial claims.
There were also 616 Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) initial claims filed for the same week. Since mid-March 2020, an estimated total of 931,071 regular initial unemployment claims have been filed and a grand total of 1,200,298 claims, when the PUA program is included.
For the week ending on May 1, the number of continued weeks requested totaled 192,830. That includes the following totals by UI program:
- Regular UI: 59,660
- PUA: 51,525
- Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC): 81,645
The CDLE estimates those continued claims were filed by approximately 162,886 individuals (55,092 for regular UI; 40,913 for PUA, and 66,881 for PEUC).
Wednesday, May 12
9:32 p.m. | Colorado providers can start vaccinating kids 12 and up
Colorado providers currently administering Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine can now vaccinate kids 12 and up, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
Kids under the age of 18 can receive the vaccine with parental consent. Parents don’t need to be present as long as their consent is documented, though CDPHE recommends checking with the vaccine provider to confirm.
The CDC officially made the recommendation for kids 12 and up to be vaccinated Wednesday after the FDA announced Monday it had amended the emergency use authorization for Pfizer vaccine to include children ages 12-15.
The Pfizer vaccine was shown to be safe and effective for 12-15-year-olds during a clinical trial, with 100% efficacy among the children who were vaccinated, according to CDPHE. There were no severe adverse events clearly associated with the vaccine in the trial, and the CDC and FDA will continue to monitor for safety.
CDPHE says schools, childcare and higher education currently account for the highest proportion of newly reported outbreaks.
For information on which vaccine is being administered at individual providers, visit the state’s vaccine provider map. All of the state’s Community Vaccination Sites offer the Pfizer vaccine, and most do not require an appointment.
4 p.m. | Latest COVID-19 numbers
Here are the latest coronavirus numbers for Colorado, as of 4 p.m. Wednesday, with the change from Tuesday in parentheses:
526,687 cases (+1,213)
28,960 hospitalized (+133)
64 counties (+0)
2,972,013 people tested (+5,613)
8,116,349 test encounters (+27,427)
6,402 deaths among cases (+31)
6,546 deaths due to COVID-19 (+9)
5,206 outbreaks (+46)
The latest hospital data showed 681 beds in use by confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients, two fewer than Tuesday. Colorado's seven-day average positivity rate is 4.91%. The state's goal is to remain below 5%.
As of Wednesday, 2,747,201 people in Colorado have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 2,226,269 people are fully vaccinated.
3 p.m. | Red Rocks will offer vaccinations
Concertgoers at Red Rocks will be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine on-site at certain events this summer.
“The entertainment industry only works when people are able to gather together, and a healthy audience is vitally important at Red Rocks,” Red Rocks spokesman Brian Kitts said in a city news release. “We’re making it easy to come to a concert and leave knowing that our fans have protected themselves, their families and their fellow music lovers.”
The single-dose Johnson & Johnson shot will be made available at Red Rocks to anyone over the age of 18. Vaccine doses will be limited to the first 100 people who want one.
Those who get a vaccine at Red Rocks will also get a free t-shirt and a voucher to be used at a concession stand at the venue.
10 a.m. | Aurora Public Schools requires COVID-19 vaccinations for staff before 2021-2022 school year
The Aurora Public Schools superintendent said the school district will require all staff to get vaccinated against COVID-19 before the start of the 2021-2022 school year in August. Read the full story here.
6:45 a.m. | Metro counties move to Level Clear on state COVID-19 dial
Several Denver metro area counties will soon move to Level Clear on Sunday, meaning all offices, restaurants and indoor businesses can reopen with 100% capacity. The state's mask requirements are still in place.
Here are the latest updates on these counties:
- Jefferson County: Will move to an observation period from May 16-August 15. It will stay in Level Clear during this time period
- Broomfield County: Level Blue expires on May 15 and it will move to Level Clear
- Tri-County (Douglas, Arapahoe, Adams counties): Will move to an observation period from May 16-August 16. It will stay in Level Clear during this time period
- Boulder County: On May 16, if new hospital admissions remain low, Boulder County will enter Level Clear for 90 days for an observation period
- Denver County: Still working on what to do once its public health order expires, according to The Denver Post
Tuesday, May 11
5:11 p.m. | Latest Colorado COVID-19 data
Here are the latest coronavirus numbers for Colorado, as of 4 p.m. Tuesday, with the change from Monday in parentheses:
525,474 cases (+1,284)
28,827 hospitalized (+177)
64 counties (+0)
2,966,400 people tested (+5,682)
8,088,922 test encounters (+20,174)
6,371 deaths among cases (+14)
6,537 deaths due to COVID-19 (+17)
5,160 outbreaks (+30)
The latest hospital data showed 683 beds in use by confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients, 19 fewer than Monday. Colorado’s seven-day average positivity rate is 4.96%. The state’s goal is to remain below 5%.
As of Tuesday, 2,742,123 people in Colorado had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 2,213,709 people were fully immunized.
4:08 p.m. | More than 2,000 additional cases of variants confirmed in Colorado
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has confirmed more than 2,000 variant cases in the state.
In total, there are an additional 2,360 sequence-confirmed variants of COVID-19 after the state completed processing large batches of the sequencing results. The cases are not new, as the testing is conducted only on positive cases that have already been accounted for.
Variant cases now make up more than half of all new cases in the state, according to CDPHE. It recommends getting vaccinated, with the state beginning to see population-level protection from the vaccines, resulting in decreased transmission.
8:05 a.m. | Chapel Hills vaccination site closed due to inclement weather
Due to the weather, the Chapel Hills vaccination site in El Paso County will be closed today. It will reopen as scheduled at 10 a.m. on Wednesday.
The mobile vaccination clinic scheduled today at Falcon High School will remain open, with the adjusted hours of 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. The mobile vaccination clinic scheduled today at Sand Creek High School will remain open as planned, with the hours of 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Monday, May 10
7:10 p.m. | How much will Colorado, local municipalities receive in the American Rescue Plan?
The U.S. Department of the Treasury released the allocations and spending guidelines for the $5.7 billion that will soon be headed to Colorado and its local governments as part of the American Rescue Plan.
President Joe Biden signed the $1.9 trillion stimulus package back in March, which includes $350 billion for state and local governments across the country they will be able to use in several ways to come out of the pandemic.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen called the funding “a milestone” in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“During the Great Recession, when cities and states were facing similar revenue shortfalls, the federal government didn’t provide enough aid to close the gap,” Yellen said in a statement. “That was an error. Insufficient relief meant that cities had to slash spending, and that austerity undermined the broader recovery. With today’s announcement, we are charting a very different – and much faster – course back to prosperity.”
Colorado and its local governments will get $5.7 billion in total from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds: $3.8 billion for the state; $1.1 billion for counties; $551 million for metropolitan cities and $265 million for local governments with 50,000 or fewer people.
The Treasury Department has rules surrounding what the funds can be used for, but the scope is fairly broad.
“Through these funds in the American Rescue Plan, Colorado state and local governments will receive much-needed, flexible funding to support a wide range of efforts, from investing in broadband to helping the hardest-hit businesses reopen their doors to funding our public health infrastructure,” Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., said in a statement. “This support will help us bridge our way out of this pandemic into an economy that provides opportunity to all.”
States, counties or local governments can fund COVID-19 mitigation efforts; address economic impacts including rehiring of workers, housing and food stability, small business assistance and more; address inequalities surrounding the economy, education and public health; give premium pay to essential workers; and put the money toward infrastructure improvements, among other things.
State and local officials have been eagerly anticipating the funding amounts and guidance since the American Rescue Plan was on the verge of being signed, saying that the extra funding will help propel the recovery in Colorado and boost efforts to make societal changes coming out of the pandemic.
In March, state budget forecasters said the funding would dissipate negative risks forecast several months ago and help bring the economy back to pre-pandemic levels in a quicker fashion. The Office of State Planning and Budgeting estimated about $6 billion would be coming to Colorado.
The money will come in two waves – half this month and the other half about this time next year. Many counties and municipalities are still deciding what they will do with the money and reviewing guidance from the Treasury Department, but Denver is among the counties already with plans on how to use its portion.
Click here to read the full story.
4:50 p.m. | Latest Colorado COVID-19 data
Here are the latest coronavirus numbers for Colorado, as of 4 p.m. Monday, with the change from Sunday in parentheses:
524,190 cases (+881)
28,650 hospitalized (+12)
64 counties (+0)
2,960,718 people tested (+3,264)
8,068,748 test encounters (+19,686)
6,357 deaths among cases (+0)
6,520 deaths due to COVID-19 (+12)
5,130 outbreaks (+11)
The latest hospital data showed 703 beds in use by confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients, 10 fewer than Sunday. Colorado’s seven-day average positivity rate is 4.98%. The state’s goal is to remain below 5%.
As of Monday, 2,732,212 people in Colorado had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 2,183,907 people were fully immunized.
Click here for the COVID-19 live blog for May 3-May 9, 2021.
