More than 55,000 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Colorado since the virus was first detected in March.
READ MORE: 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, Aug. 30
4 p.m. | Latest COVID-19 numbers from Colorado
For a second day in a row, Colorado reported no additional deaths of the novel coronavirus from Saturday into Sunday. Here are the latest figures from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
57,223 cases (+182)
7,010 hospitalized (+17)
63 counties (+0)
706,067 tested (+4,690)
1,002,802 test encounters (+7,851)
1,944 deaths among cases (+0)
1,843 deaths due to COVID-19 (+0)
604 outbreaks (+2)
The latest hospital data shows 240 hospital beds in use by confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients with 13 patients discharged or transferred from hospitals over the past 24 hours and 58% of state hospitals reporting. Saturday’s 3-day moving average positivity rate was 2.28%. The state’s target is to remain below 5%.
Saturday, Aug. 29
4 p.m. | Latest COVID-19 numbers from Colorado
Colorado reported no additional deaths of the novel coronavirus from Friday into Saturday. Here are the latest figures from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
57,041 cases (+268)
6,993 hospitalized (+48)
63 counties (+0)
701,377 tested (+5,808)
994,951 test encounters (+9,329)
1,944 deaths among cases (+7)
1,843 deaths due to COVID-19 (+0)
602 outbreaks (+2)
The latest hospital data shows 239 hospital beds in use by confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients with 12 patients discharged or transferred from hospitals over the past 24 hours and 81% of state hospitals reporting. Friday’s 3-day moving average positivity rate was 2.70%. The state’s target is to remain below 5%.
Friday, Aug. 28
5:54 p.m. | Colorado health department issues guidelines on matrix for COVID-19 response phases
The Colorado Department of Health and Environment released draft guidance Friday evening on a new matrix to identify when various Colorado communities should be in various phases of COVID-19 response and is seeking feedback through Sept. 3.
The CDPHE said that it has heard from local municipalities that they would like a simpler and more predictable process for determining which phase of response it should be in, between stay-at-home, safer-at-home, and protect-our-neighbors phases.
“We need to empower local communities with easy-to-follow guidance, if we are to continue to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said CDPHE executive director Jill Hunsaker Ryan. “We hope the dial will help provide local communities with the flexibility to move throughout the different levels of guidance as necessary to protect public health. We invite everyone to provide feedback on this matrix, so we can make sure it serves the needs of all Colorado communities.”
The new proposal introduces a dial chart, with a matrix that the department says would be used by local municipalities to determine when to further open, or close back down, various types of businesses and events based on the levels of virus transmission.
There are five levels under the proposal: stay-at-home, three phases of safer-at-home, and the protect-our-neighbors phase.
Within the three safer-at-home tiers are levels of “high risk”, “concern” and “cautious,” according to the draft from the CDPHE. The “high risk” level, Level 3, would be for counties seeing increasing virus levels that need to take action but not revert back to stay-at-home measures.
The “concern” level, Level 2, is the current baseline for the safer-at-home order. The “cautious” level, Level 1, is next to protect our neighbors, and will be for counties that have low virus levels but are not quite at the protect-our-neighbors phase.
The department said that it hoped the new matrix will streamline the variance process as well and allow expanded indoor gatherings.
The public can give feedback on the guidelines until Sept. 3 at noon by clicking here.
Click here to read the full story.
4 p.m. | Latest COVID-19 numbers from Colorado
Colorado reported eight more deaths of the novel coronavirus from Thursday into Friday and six more outbreaks in connection with the new respiratory disease. Here are the latest figures from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
56,773 cases (+430)
6,945 hospitalized (+17)
63 counties (+0)
695,569 tested (+8,039)
985,622 test encounters (+12,632)
1,937 deaths among cases (+6)
1,843 deaths due to COVID-19 (+8)
600 outbreaks (+6)
The latest hospital data shows 225 hospital beds in use by confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients – 12 more than Thursday with 14 patients discharged or transferred from hospitals over the past 24 hours and 84% of state hospitals reporting. Thursday’s 3-day moving average positivity rate was 2.88%. The state’s target is to remain below 5%.
Click here to explore the latest COVID-19 case data for Colorado.
Thursday, Aug. 27
5:13 p.m. | State delivers masks to schools
The State Emergency Operations Center said Thursday it had completed four of 10 planned shipments of KN95 masks to Colorado schools – delivering 672,750 masks.
The state has said that each staff member who works with students at a Colorado school will be supplied one mask per week for at least 10 weeks. The deliveries are made once a week. Learn more here.
4 p.m. | Latest COVID-19 numbers from Colorado
56,343 cases (+350); CDPHE says they've adjusted the number of cases from yesterday to 55,993 instead of 55,994.
6,928 hospitalized (+25)
63 counties (+0)
687,530 tested (+5,191)
972,990 test encounters (+10,236)
1,931 deaths among cases (+3)
1,835 deaths due to COVID-19 (+0)
594 outbreaks (+4)
The latest hospital data shows 213 hospital beds in use by confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients – 30 fewer than Wednesday with 25 patients discharged or transferred from hospitals over the past 24 hours and 85% of state hospitals reporting. Wednesday’s 3-day moving average positivity rate was 2.96%. The state’s target is to remain below 5%.
12:01 p.m. | Student at Cherry Hills Village Elementary School exhibiting "major" COVID-19 symptoms
In a letter sent home to parents and guardians of Cherry Hills Village Elementary School, the school district said a student has been exhibiting "major COVID-19 symptoms" after he or she was exposed to a person who has already tested positive. A third grade class and the teacher are now in quarantine.
7:35 a.m. | Unemployment numbers in Colorado
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment reported that 6,450 regular initial unemployment claims were filed the week ending Aug. 22. There were also 16,417 Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claims filed for the same week. Since mid-March, a total of 536,782 regular unemployment initial claims have been filed and a grand total of 736,108 claims were filed, including federal PUA benefits.
For the week ending August 15, a combined total of 269,964 continued claims were filed, including 179,798 from regular UI, 79,038 from PUA, and 11,128 from Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation.
The department also announced it has paid nearly $4.7 billion in unemployment benefits since March 29.
6:40 a.m. | Just over 1 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week
Just over 1 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week, a sign that the coronavirus outbreak continues to threaten jobs even as the housing market, auto sales and other segments of the economy rebound from a springtime collapse. Read more here.
Wednesday, Aug.26
4 p.m. | Latest coronavirus numbers for Colorado
Here were the latest coronavirus numbers for Colorado, as of 4 p.m. Wednesday.
55,994 cases (+194)
6,903 hospitalized (+9)
63 counties (+0)
682,339 tested (+4,004)
962,754 test encounters (+7,113)
1,928 deaths among cases (+2)
1,835 deaths due to COVID-19 (+9)
590 outbreaks (+9)
The latest hospital data shows 243 hospital beds in use by confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients, with 88% of facilities reporting in the last 24 hours and 14 patients discharged or transferred. Tuesday's 3-day moving average positivity rate was down to 2.52%. The state’s target is to remain below 5%. Go here for more state data.
3:30 p.m. | Colorado small businesses, nonprofits can apply for new grant and loan money starting Monday
Starting Monday, Colorado businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 25 full-time employees that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic will be able to apply for up to $35,000 in grant and loan money through a new public-private fund.
The Energize Colorado Gap Fund will start accepting applications Monday. The fund is a product of a bill passed unanimously by the legislature this year to use CARES Act money for small business relief and from private donations, officials said during a news conference Wednesday.
Applicants can apply for a maximum of $15,000 in grant money, which will come from the CARES Act funds, and for up to $20,000 in low-interest loan money if they meet the criteria.
In order the qualify, a business or nonprofit will have to have fewer than 25 full-time employees. LLCs, S-Corps and other business types will be eligible, and nonprofits will qualify if they support economic development, small businesses or tourism, according to Energize Colorado.
They must also show proof of economic hardship caused by the pandemic response through financial records.
Small businesses owned by people of color, women, veterans and rural Coloradans will be prioritized, as will those that have not received federal PPP loans or other government assistance, or who have limited other access to extra capital.
The state and Energize Colorado said $5 million of grant money will be earmarked directly for tourism-related businesses and will be earmarked until Oct. 1.
Click here to read the full story
2:08 p.m. | Colorado releases guidelines for return to indoor visitation at nursing homes
Colorado on Wednesday released proposed guidelines for indoor visitation at nursing homes and senior-living facilities, where visitors have been mostly restricted since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis.
The guidance will expand visitation opportunities, allowing for indoor visitation from family and friends of residents, with several precautions and restrictions still in place.
Since early in the COVID-19 outbreak, visitation at nursing homes and similar facilities has been limited to end-of-life situations and outdoor environments.
"We believe indoor visitation protocols are reasonably safe," said Gov. Jared Polis, who on Wednesday gave an update on COVID-19 in Colorado at a news conference.
Polis said the state's COVID-19 numbers are in a good place, though he emphasized the need for continued precautions, including wearing masks in public.
The guidelines for indoor nursing home visitations will be open for public comment through Friday and the guidelines will be finalized this weekend, Polis said.
Go here to comment on the guidelines, and read the full guidelines here.
Click here to read the full story.
Tuesday, Aug. 25
5:12 p.m. | Three staff members, 1 student test positive for COVID-19 at Cherry Creek Schools; dozens quarantined after possible exposure
Three staff members and one student have tested positive for COVID-19 just a week after school went back into session at Cherry Creek Schools, district officials said. The cases are as follows:
1 staff member- Belleview Elementary and Campus Middle School
• Contact tracing - 5 other staff members at Belleview and 5 staff members at Campus were in close contact.
• Staff is quarantined for 14 days.
• 2 students impacted at Campus Middle School. None at Belleview.
• Letters sent to Belleview /Campus communities, staff members and individual staff who were impacted
1 student- Grandview High School
• Contact tracing - 8 students quarantined.
• Letter sent to Grandview community and individual letters sent to parents of students who are quarantined
1 staff member -Options Homeschool Program (located at our Fremont Building).
ˆ• Contract tracing - 2 staff members are quarantined.
• No students impacted.
• Letter sent to Fremont Building staff, Piney Creek Options program.
1 staff member - Pine Ridge Elementary daycare program.
• Contact tracing - no students or staff were in close contact.
• Letter sent to Pine Ridge Elementary (although the staff member had not been in the building since the school year started) and to the daycare families.
All schools remain open, district officials said.
4 p.m. | Latest Colorado COVID-19 numbers
Here were the latest COVID-19 numbers in Colorado, as of 4 p.m. Tuesday.
55,800 cases (+459)
6,894 hospitalized (+49)
63 counties (+0)
678,335 tested (+4,422)
955,641 test encounters (+7,996)
1,926 deaths among cases (+7)
1,826 deaths due to COVID-19 (+2)
581 outbreaks (+9)
The latest hospital data shows 243 hospital beds in use by confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients, with 88% of facilities reporting in the last 24 hours and 26 patients discharged or transferred. Monday's 3-day moving average positivity rate was down to 2.85%. The state’s target is to remain below 5%. Go here for more state data.
Monday, Aug. 24
4 p.m. | Latest Colorado COVID-19 numbers
Monday brought the lowest three-day moving average positivity rate in Colorado so far during the COVID-19 outbreak, at 2.22%. Here is the latest data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE):
55,341 cases (+198)
6,845 hospitalized (+4)
63 counties (+0)
673,913 people tested (+4,919)
947,645 test encounters (+9.049)
1,919 deaths among cases (+1)
1,824 deaths due to COVID-19 (+9)
572 outbreaks (+1)
The latest hospital data shows 243 hospital beds in use by confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients, with 77% of state hospitals reporting and 18 patients discharged or transferred within the past 24 hours. Sunday’s 3-day moving average positivity rate was down to 2.22%. The state’s target is to remain below 5%.
12:30 p.m. | DougCo commissioners holding COVID-19 town hall
Douglas County commissioners and the Tri-County Health Department will hold a virtual town hall Monday evening to discuss the purpose of COVID-19 testing and contact tracing in the county. Commissioners recently allocated $3 million toward the efforts in the county.
Go here for information about listening in on the town hall.
Noon | 3 Denver businesses cited for COVID-19 violations
Three Denver businesses were cited for COVID-19 safety violations over the weekend, officials said.
La Jaula Bar and Grill, 1750 W. Mississippi, on Friday had employees not wearing face coverings and performers less than 25 feet away from customers.
Lempira Restaurant, 1452 N. Unita, on Friday had three employees with no face coverings and five out of 20 customers without face coverings while mingling.
Infinite Monkey Theorem, 3200 Larimer, had a large party of 10 people at one table, bar seating with drink preparations taking place and a performer less than 25 feet away from customers.
The city has made 15,355 contacts regarding COVID-19 safety precautions and issued 13,624 warnings and 120 citations.
11:45 a.m. | 10 new cases reported at CU Boulder out of 1,848 tests
CU Boulder on Monday reported 10 new COVID-19 cases out of 1,848 on-campus tests in the last week.
Students moving into dorms were required to provide the university with a negative COVID-19 test from within five days or test negative via a rapid test on campus. As of Monday, 2.4% of the school's dedicated quarantine space was being used.
CU is offering a mix of in-person, remote and hybrid classes for the fall semester, which begins Monday.
The short-term goal is to make it through the fall semester without having to consider a shut-down, officials said. Much of that will be up to students following protocols, officials have said.
Click here for last week's coronavirus blog
