NOTE: This is the live blog from Saturday and Sunday, April 25 and 26. Click here for the live log from April 27.
The novel coronavirus has claimed the lives of 680 Coloradans as of Sunday, according to data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Since the outbreak reached Colorado, more than 63,000 people have been tested and 13,441 of those cases came back positive.
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, April 26
7:55 p.m. | Colorado governor issues 'safer at home' order outlining how some businesses can begin re-opening
Colorado. Gov. Jared Polis on Sunday afternoon issued the much-anticipated “safer at home” executive order that outlines what the gradual reopening phase of some businesses in the state will look like in the weeks ahead.
Click here for the full order and details.
6:38 p.m. | King Soopers opening COVID-19 drive-thru testing site
King Soopers announced Sunday that it has partnered with the Colorado State Emergency Operations Center to open and operate a COVID-19 drive-thru testing site this week. The site will be on the Auraria Campus in Denver and will be open Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no cost for the test. To be tested, you will need to register first to see if you are eligible for the free test. You can register at krogerhealth.com/covidtesting or call 1-888-852-2567 (select option 1, then option 3).
4:03 p.m. | Latest COVID-19 numbers in Colorado
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment released updated case numbers at 4 p.m. As of Sunday, the data is as follows (Change from Saturday in parenthesis):
13,441 cases (+473)
2,438 hospitalized (+28)
57 counties (no change)
63,274 people tested (+3,483)
680 deaths (+8)
143 outbreaks (+2)
3:52 p.m. | Aurora Walmart given green light to reopen
A Walmart in Aurora closed after three people associated with the store died of COVID-19 has been given the green light to reopen. The Tri-County Health Department has permitted the Walmart Supercenter at 14000 East Exposition in Aurora to reopen Sunday. The department, which serves Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas counties, said the Aurora store was cleaned and disinfected by a third party contractor over the weekend and has implemented an array of safety measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
Saturday, April 25
4:15 p.m. | Latest COVID-19 numbers in Colorado
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment released updated case numbers at 4 p.m. As of Saturday, the data is as follows (Change from Friday in parenthesis):
12,968 cases (+713)
2,410 hospitalized (+44)
57 counties (+1)
59,791 people tested (3,002)
672 deaths (n/a)
141 outbreaks (+7)
PLEASE NOTE: The death toll was listed at 674 Friday after the CDPHE included older cases and probable deaths to the dataset. However, two deaths were removed from the set Saturday, bringing the total to 672. The CDPHE said the reduction was because a portion of probable deaths gathered from death certificate data were entered as duplicates.
1:20 p.m. | Colorado providing targeted testing in Weld County
Colorado is conducting targeted testing in Weld County through Tuesday. The state lab has dedicated capacity to run 300 samples per day from this event. Testing started Friday at Island Grove Park and will run through Tuesday, starting at 10 a.m. each day and ending when 300 samples have been collected.
Testing is open to any Weld County resident with symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, coughing, shortness of breath). Asymptomatic individuals will not be tested. The majority of tests will be administered through drive-up lanes. There will be a walk-thru lane for individuals not in a vehicle.
No appointment or doctor’s note is necessary. An ID is not required but is recommended for patient intake forms. The form will include basic information to help identify test samples.
The testing, coordinated by the State Emergency Operations Center and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, is being staffed by members of the Colorado National Guard and the Colorado State Patrol.
11:22 a.m. | At least 20 test positive for COVID-19 at long-term care facilities with no previous identified outbreaks
Colorado health officials announced Saturday the results of COVID-19 testing done at three long-term care facilities with no previous known outbreaks. Testing revealed at least 20 people (staff and residents) have the infection, and some results are still pending. The state provided tests to each facility to test staff and residents. Nearly 900 tests were administered.
Approximately 40% of Colorado’s COVID-19 fatalities are associated with long-term care facilities. As of Friday, there have been 134 facilities experiencing outbreaks of the virus across the state.
The state says this proactive testing strategy was instrumental in identifying previously unrecognized infections in the facilities.
9:32 a.m. | Greeley Stampede canceled due to COVID-19
The 99th Annual Greeley Stampede that was scheduled for June 24-July 5 has been canceled in response to the direction of health officials and the effect COVID-19 is having on the community.
"As difficult as it is to make the decision to cancel the event, it is with the best intentions as we seek to protect the health and safety of our guests, volunteers, and staff," a press release stated.
Refunds will be offered to ticket holders or a credit for 2021 events. Information on how to claim a refund or credit will be available soon.
Click herefor the live blog from Friday, April 24, 2020.
