As of Monday evening, almost 29,300 people in Colorado have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, according to data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. About 5,270 people have been hospitalized for the virus.
Health officials say 1,605 people have died after testing positive for COVID-19.
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, June 21
4:06 p.m. | Latest COVID-19 numbers for Colorado
Here were the latest coronavirus numbers for Colorado, as of 4 p.m. Sunday, with the change from Saturday in parentheses:
30,539 cases (+190)
5,327 hospitalized (+4)
60 counties (+0)
280,033 people tested (+4,388)
1,647 deaths among cases (+0)
1,429 deaths due to COVID-19 (+0)
330 outbreaks (+3)
As of Sunday at 3 p.m., 160 patients were hospitalized with COVID-19 and 95 patients were hospitalized with suspected cases of COVID-19. However, that data was from 57% of hospitals, a reporting percentage that has often been higher in previous days.
Saturday, June 20
5:30 p.m. | Gov. Polis extends state of disaster emergency for fourth time
Gov. Polis on Saturday signed executive order D 2020 109, extending Colorado's state of disaster emergency for a fourth time and providing additional funds for response activities due to the presence of coronavirus.
The governor has extended the state of emergency each time the 30-day declaration has expired.
4:06 p.m. | Latest COVID-19 data from the CDPHE
Here were the latest coronavirus numbers for Colorado, as of 4 p.m. Saturday, with the change from Friday in parentheses:
30,349 cases (+162)
5,323 hospitalized (+5)
60 counties (+0)
275,645 tested (+5,310)
1,647 deaths among cases (+4)
1,429 deaths due to COVID-19 (+0)
327 outbreaks (+0)
As of Saturday at 3 p.m., 151 patients were hospitalized with COVID-19 and 99 patients were hospitalized with suspected cases of COVID-19. However, that data was from 76% of hospitals, a reporting percentage that has often been higher in previous days.
Friday, June 19
4 p.m. | Latest coronavirus numbers for Colorado
Here were the latest coronavirus numbers for Colorado, as of 4 p.m. Friday, with the change from Thursday in parentheses:
30,187 cases (+286)
5,318 hospitalized (+10)
60 counties (+0)
270,335 tested (+5,869)
1,643 deaths among cases (+5)
1,429 deaths due to COVID-19 (+12)
327 outbreaks (+3)
As of Friday at 3 p.m., 156 patients were hospitalized with COVID-19 and 100 patients were hospitalized with suspected cases of COVID-19. However, that data was from 74% of hospitals, a reporting percentage that has often been higher in previous days.
1:08 p.m. | Eagle County prepares to move to new COVID-19 public health order
Eagle County Public Health and Environment is updating the county's public health order to move to the "Black Diamond" phase on June 22.
Eagle County's ability to implement this new Public Health Order is dependent on state approval of a variance request. The county submitted a request on June 10 but has not received a response as of 1 p.m. Friday, according to a press release.
In summary, changes in the new order include:
-Allows gatherings of up to 250 people. Six feet of distance will still be required between non-household members.
-Removes capacity limits for indoor service at restaurants and bars. Six feet of distance will still be required for non-household members.
-Removes capacity limits for short-term lodging. Six feet of distance will still be required for non-household members.
-Removes capacity limits on pools that use chlorine or bromine. Six feet of distance will still be required for non-household members.
-Continues requirements that all visitors be free of any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 for 10 days prior to arrival in Eagle County.
-Continues requirements for people who are sick and for people who have been exposed to someone who is sick.
12:55 p.m. | City of Boulder announces plan to combat spike in COVID-19 cases
The city of Boulder announced plans today to implement an emergency order that amends the definition of public nuisance and procedures related to the abatement of public nuisance code to provide new ways of addressing large and unsafe gatherings in private properties.
This action stems from a lack of compliance to the statewide Public Health Order, also known as “Safer at Home in the Vast, Great Outdoors.” This current order prohibits large gatherings with more than 10 people who do not share a household without adequate physical distancing.
Recent incidents in the University Hill neighborhood and a subsequent increase in transmission of COVID-19, particularly among student and youth populations, suggest that warnings and education are not changing behavior.
Beginning Friday, the city of Boulder amended the Abatement of Public Nuisance Code, under Emergency Order 2020-19, which will allow officials to pursue abatement if a property repeatedly has noise violations or hosts large gatherings. In addition, the city is notifying the owners and representatives of 12 residences that have been identified as chronic violators of the code between March 16 and May 25.
Any additional violation by the properties on that list will trigger potential abatement action, which will likely include facilitated conversations and/or mediation with property owners and tenants to address the problem. Failure to comply after that could result in revocation of rental licenses, forcing tenants to vacate the properties.
To report a Public Nuisance Code violation in Boulder, call 303-441-3333.
10:20 a.m. | COVID-19's impact on Colorado economy
The Governor’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) released its quarterly economic forecast on Friday. Coloraod lost more than 300,000 jobs in March and April as a result of the pandemic, and the unemployment rate rose to 11.3%.
The state’s large professional services sector is helping Coloradans weather the COVID-19 recession better than most other states. But critical industries, including as tourism and energy, have been severely impacted by the coronavirus. They will likely have longer recoveries.
General Fund revenue is expected to fall by 4.9% in fiscal year 2019-20 and by another 10.5 percent in fiscal year 2020-21, according to the OSPB. The General Fund revenue forecast was revised up by net of $216.9 million over the forecast period, primarily due to technical and legislative changes that increase revenue, according to the OSPB.
With these new projections, the General Fund reserve is projected to end fiscal year 2020-21 about $171.4 million above the statutory reserve amount of 2.86% of appropriations based on preliminary analysis of legislation passed by the General Assembly, according to the OSPB.
“This global pandemic has had a terrible impact on the economy and our way of life," said Colorado Gov. Jared Polis. "Coloradans are resilient, innovative, and talented and we will get through this challenging time together. While we are taking cautious steps to rebuild our economy, we cannot let up in our shared efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. If Coloradans don’t wear masks in public or practice good social distancing and physical hygiene, then will see case counts rise as they have in other states and the economy will further suffer."
9:10 a.m. | Roaring Fork Schools announce phased plan to return athletic participation
On Friday morning, the Roaring Fork School District announced that it has developed a phased plan to return to athletic participation, starting June 22.
The plan was developed based on local and state health and safety requirements and recommendations in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and was reviewed by the public health departments in Garfield, Pitkin, and Eagle Counties.
8:45 a.m. | Housing help in Denver amid COVID-19
Next week, the Denver Council Committee said they will discuss a handful of contracts to help fund housing help programs in connection to COVID-19, to help low- and moderate-income families and individuals stay in their homes. This includes mortgage assistance program and rental and utility assistance programs.
This discussion is planned for June 24 at 10:30 a.m. on the 4th floor of council chambers in room 450.
Thursday, June 18
4:20 p.m. | Denver dog parks to reopen
Some good news for dog owners: Denver city dog parks will reopen on Friday. The city strongly recommends practicing good hygiene, such as using hand sanitizer frequently and remaining socially distant of at least six feet. Masks are highly recommended.
4 p.m. | Latest coronavirus numbers
Here were the latest coronavirus numbers for Colorado, as of 4 p.m. Thursday, with the change from Wednesday in parentheses.
29,901 cases (+228)
5,308 hospitalized (+14)
60 counties (+0)
264,466 tested (+4,920)
1,638 deaths among cases (+7)
1,417 deaths due to COVID-19 (+15)
324 outbreaks (+1)
7:30 a.m. | State Labor Department reports 10,270 initial regular unemployment claims last week
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment reported that 10,270 initial regular unemployment claims were filed for the week ending on June 13. In that same time frame, 17,945 Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claims were filed. Over the past 13 weeks, a total of 456,763 regular unemployment initial claims have been filed, leading to a grand total of 568,721 claims, including federal PUA benefits.
THE CDLE has paid out about $2.5 billion in unemployment benefits since March 29. That includes regular unemployment benefits, and those filing Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claims and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PUC) claims.
6:55 a.m. | Another 1.5 million filed for unemployment last week
The Department of Labor reported today that 1.5 million Americans filed initial claims for unemployment during the week ending June 13, bringing a three-month total to about 43 million. Read the full story here.
Wednesday, June 17
6:58 p.m. | Denver Museum of Nature and Science reopens June 23
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science will reopen next Tuesday after being closed for months due to COVID-19 restrictions. A special members reopening is scheduled for Monday.
Some of the precautions the museum will be taking include:
- Strict adherence to all public health orders regarding COVID-19.
- A rigorous cleaning and disinfecting program, that includes the creation of roles and protocols to focus on disinfecting high touch areas, the use of EPA approved list N disinfectant cleaners, conducting regular hygiene assessments.
- A new health and safety protocol for staff, including requiring face coverings, temperature checks, and increased teleworking.
- Presence of handwashing reminder posters in all restrooms.
- Availability of hand sanitizer stations throughout the Museum.
4 p.m. | Latest coronavirus numbers
Here were the latest coronavirus numbers for Colorado, as of 4 p.m. Wednesday, with the change from Tuesday in parentheses:
29,673 cases (+231)
5,294 hospitalized (+22)
60 counties (+0)
258,546 tested (+4,526)
1,631 deaths among cases (+14)
1,402 deaths due to COVID-19 (+29)
323 outbreaks (+5)
Also, as of Wednesday afternoon, 164 patients were hospitalized with COVID-19 and 126 were hospitalized as suspected COVID-19 patients, according to state hospital data. Eighteen patients had been discharged over the last 24 hours.
1 p.m. | Boulder County sees spike in new COVID-19 cases, mostly among young adults
After the number of positive COVID-19 cases started to drop in Boulder County, the health department is now seeing a reversal of the trend — and the majority of these new cases are among college-age people in the Hill neighborhood. Read the full story here.
9:45 a.m. | Downtown Aquarium exhibits reopen today
The Downtown Aquarium in Denver will reopen its exhibit today with limited capacity for visitors. All employees will be screened for COVID-19 daily. Social distancing is encouraged. All areas of the property will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.
5 a.m. | Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival is a go this year
The Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival is not canceled this year, despite some misinformation on social media, the group said. The team is preparing for the 44th annual festival, which is planned for Sept. 11 and 13.
Tuesday, June 16
4:30 p.m. | Moratorium on utility disconnections expires
The statewide moratorium on utility disconnections has expired, Colorado officials reminded residents on Tuesday. Gov. Jared Polis had put a freeze on disconnections amid the coronavirus crisis on March 20 and extended the 30-day order up until this month. Polis did not extend the moratorium last week.
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission encouraged anyone who is behind on utility payments to arrange for a payment plan or apply for assistance, through this form.
4 p.m. | Latest coronavirus numbers for Colorado
Here were the latest coronavirus numbers for Colorado, as of 4 p.m. Tuesday, with the change from Monday in parentheses:
29,442 cases (+143)
5,272 hospitalized (+3)
60 counties (+0)
254,020 (+3,767)
1,617 deaths among cases (+12)
1,373 deaths due to COVID-19 (+0)
318 outbreaks (+4)
As of Tuesday afternoon, 158 patients were hospitalized with COVID-19 in Colorado and 142 were hospitalized with suspected cases, according to data from 92% of hospitals across the state. Over the last 24 hours, 17 patients were discharged.
12:49 p.m. | Cherry Creek Mall to reopen
Cherry Creek Shopping Center will reopen Wednesday after being closed for months due to COVID-19 restrictions. The popular Denver mall will operate uder preliminary hours: Monday – Saturday 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Sunday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued guidelines, restricting capacity to 50% and urging management to limit gatherings within the mall.
9:55 a.m. | Changes to the Colorado State Fair
The Colorado State Fair Board of Authority voted Tuesday to modify activities during the 2020 State Fair, which is scheduled for Aug. 28 through Sept. 7.
The board determined that a number of State Fair activities will move forward this summer with some new guidelines in place. Activities being considered include the Junior Livestock Show and Sale, FFA Heifer Wrangle, Catch-a-Calf, 4-H Horse Show, 4-H Dog Show, 4-H Rocketry, and 4-H Static Exhibits as well as limited food and vendor booths, a limited carnival presence and virtual competitive exhibits.
More details will be announced soon, the board said.
Monday, June 15
4 p.m. | Latest coronavirus numbers for Colorado
Here were the latest coronavirus numbers for Colorado, as of 4 p.m. Monday, with the change from Sunday in parentheses:
29,299 cases (+169)
5,269 hospitalized (+25)
60 counties (+0)
250,523 tested (+4,045)
1,605 deaths among cases (+6)
1,373 deaths due to COVID-19 (+25)
314 outbreaks (+2)
Also as of Monday afternoon, 161 patients were hospitalized in Colorado with confirmed COVID-19 and 115 were hospitalized as suspected COVID-19, according to data from 80% of facilities across the state. Over the last 24 hours, 18 patients have been discharged.
3:55 p.m. | Colorado relaxing safer-at-home guidelines
Gov. Jared Polis on Monday outlined several relaxed guidelines for Colorado's safer-at-home phase, including plans to allow bars to re-open at 25% capacity or up to 50 people.
Residential summer camps will be allowed to have 10 children indoors and up to 25 children outdoors. Also, certain large facilities, such as houses of worship, would be allowed up to 100 people in a room, depending on the size of the room. The state will allow public comment on the new guidelines before finalizing them later this week.
Go here to read the draft guidelines by sector.
Polis also announced Colorado's transition to a "protect our neighbors" phase: continued social distancing of six feet apart, wearing masks and local public health agencies containing outbreaks through contact tracing and site-specific closures, where needed.
12:15 p.m. | Protest attendee in Boulder tests positive for COVID-19; county reports increase in transmission
A person who recently tested positive for the novel coronavirus said they attended a Black Lives Matter protest on University Hill at the University of Colorado Boulder, according to the local health department. The county as a whole has seen a recent increase in transmission.
11 a.m. | History Colorado Center to reopen June 22; other museums statewide reopening this week
History Colorado will start to reopen its eight statewide museums this week and next, including for a new John Denver exhibit at the History Colorado Center in Denver.
People will have to buy tickets and will have to adhere to social distancing rules under the reopening plans, and hands-on exhibits have been removed. Large group gatherings are still being held online.
The History Colorado Center will resume operations next Monday, June 22.
The Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center opens back up today; Fort Vasquez reopens on Wednesday, June 17; the Center for Colorado Women’s History at Byers-Evans House in Denver, the El Pueblo History Museum and Trinidad History Museum will open Friday, June 19; the Ute Indian Museum in Montrose opens Monday, June 22; and officials are still working to determine a date on when to reopen the Healy House Museum and Dexter Cabin.
Click here for the full story and more information.
10:30 a.m. | Gov. Polis to provide update on COVID-19
Gov. Jared Polis is set to provide an update on the state’s response to COVID-19 at 3 p.m. from the governor’s mansion. We will stream the news conference live.
Check back for live updates.
Click here for the live blog from the week of June 8-14, 2020.
