Colorado’s coronavirus test positivity rate has risen above 5%, an alarming surge that Gov. Jared Polis on Tuesday said means Coloradans need to take immediate action to slow down the spread of the disease.
“We need to get this under control now,” Polis said at a news conference at the governor’s mansion in downtown Denver. “We have to do better.”
COVID-19 IN COLORADO
The latest from the coronavirus outbreak in Colorado:
- MAP: Known cases in Colorado.
- TESTING: Here’s where to find a community testing site. The state is now encouraging anyone with symptoms to get tested.
- STORY: Colorado unveils draft plan for who will get a coronavirus vaccine first
The rate, derived from the number of positive results among all tests, comes as Colorado for the first time on Saturday recorded more than 1,000 new cases in a single day. On Tuesday, Colorado also recorded more than 1,000 new cases, according to Polis’ office.
Coronavirus hospitalizations, which were at 290 on Tuesday, are at their highest level since May. Colorado also passed 2,000 deaths directly caused by COVID-19 this week.
“It’s very worrisome,” Polis said. “It’s very alarming”
The World Health Organization says that test positivity rates above 5% suggest a need for restrictions on people’s movement.
Polis didn’t address a question as to whether he’s weighing whether to impose new mandates aimed at slowing the virus’ spread. Instead, the governor asked Coloradans to change their behavior to reverse the trend — go out less, put off gatherings, wear masks more frequently and ensure they are washing their hands as often as possible.
Polis said the if the current trend of increasing cases and hospitalizations continues, there will be major risks to Colorado’s economy and to people’s health.
The governor said the majority of Colorado’s new cases are in Denver and Adams counties.
“There are a few rural counties that have had spikes,” Polis said. “But they alone don’t push us above 5%.”
Polis applauded Boulder County for reversing its trajectory of rising cases stemming from an outbreak among students at the University of Colorado.
As of noon Tuesday, 18- to 22-year-olds in Boulder County are allowed to gather in groups of six. Just a few weeks ago, health officials banned any gatherings among that age group.
At its peak, Boulder County had a transmission rate of over 1,500 cases per 100,000 people, with a rate of 3,772.1 per 100,000 for its 18- to 22-year-old population. That age range’s case rate has since decreased to 470.5 cases per 100,000, but it still needs to be less than 275 cases per 100,000 for the county to fully ease up on age-specific restrictions.
Boulder County, as a whole, has a rolling 14-day average of 114 cases per 100,000 people, with a five-day rolling average for coronavirus tests of 2% positivity, though the 18-22 age range is at 6.1%.
Jeff Zayach, executive director for Boulder County Public Health, said he believes that it’s possible for coronavirus rates to get low enough by next week, if residents continue to behave with diligence.
“We can’t give up on this,” Zayach said.
In a virtual briefing Tuesday, CU Boulder and county officials noted that most students have been helpful in complying with public health orders and best practices.
However, multiple large student gatherings occurred off campus over the weekend, including a party at the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity that reportedly included over 200 people. Zayach called the gatherings “very disappointing,” noting that these large gatherings “take for granted” students that are following public health guidance.
“We can’t have these things happening moving forward,” Zayach said.
So far, five students are under interim suspension as a result of the weekend gatherings while they go through the university’s conduct process. Officials said there may have been more instances that have not yet been referred to CU’s conduct process.
Dean of Students JB Banks noted that many students are struggling with adverse mental health as a result of being socially isolated, but they still have to follow public health orders.
“Please know your actions are critical,” Banks said. “Hang in there … we really are making progress.”
Updated on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 6:36 p.m.: This story has been updated to correct that Gov. Jared Polis’ news conference happened on Tuesday.
Our articles are free to read, but not free to report
Support local journalism around the state.
Become a member of The Colorado Sun today!
The latest from The Sun
"need" - Google News
October 13, 2020 at 07:45PM
https://ift.tt/3do9ale
“We need to get this under control now”: Colorado's coronavirus test positivity rate rises above 5% - The Colorado Sun
"need" - Google News
https://ift.tt/3c23wne
https://ift.tt/2YsHiXz
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "“We need to get this under control now”: Colorado's coronavirus test positivity rate rises above 5% - The Colorado Sun"
Post a Comment