Boulder County Moves to High Community Level for COVID-19

Boulder County, CO – Boulder County has moved into high COVID-19 community levels based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) metrics.

The move from the medium to high COVID-19 community level indicates that COVID cases are high in our community, and the strain on hospitals and healthcare facilities in Boulder County is rising.

Weekly metrics released by the CDC on Thursday show the case rate in Boulder County is 318.5 per 100,000 population, new COVID-19 hospital admissions are at 10.6 per 100,000 population and staffed inpatient beds in use by COVID-positive individuals are at 1.9%.

As a result, everyone should practice enhanced prevention measures and be aware of their own risk factors for contracting the disease. People at high risk for severe disease or who have close contact with someone who is should take additional precautions.

Vaccines and previous infections continue to provide high levels of community immunity. Increasing availability and access to therapeutics to treat COVID will prevent hospitalization and may help our community have a different outcome this time around.

To ensure the best protection against the most severe outcomes of the disease, everyone should take these steps to stay safe:

Get yourself and your family fully vaccinated and stay up to date by getting boosted when eligible. Immunity from vaccines wanes over time so staying up to date is an important layer of protection.

Wear a well-fitting medical-grade mask indoors in public, regardless of vaccination status (including in K-12 schools and other indoor community settings).

Keep your loved ones and community safe by following BCPH recommendations for isolation and quarantine, including getting tested if you are exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19.

Have a plan for testing – If you plan to be near someone at high risk for severe disease, hospitalization, or death, consider getting tested prior to gathering.

Increase airflow and ventilation – While indoors, use HEPA filters or increase ventilation and airflow by opening windows or increasing air circulation. Consider moving activities outdoors for the best protection.

+Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

If you are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe disease:

+Wear a high-quality mask or respirator that provides you with greater protection

+Consider avoiding non-essential indoor activities in public where you could be exposed.

+Have a plan for rapid testing if needed (e.g., having home tests or access to testing).

+Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to take other precautions (e.g., testing).

+Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you are a candidate for treatment and establish a plan to access treatment if you become ill.

+If you have a household or social contact with someone at high risk for severe disease:

+Get tested to detect infection before contact

+Wear a mask when indoors with them

For more tips on how to consider your risk for contracting the disease, visit boco.org/COVIDrisk

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Additional information about CDC Community Levels and the recommended precautions for individuals is available at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/communitylevels

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In addition to safety recommendations for the general public, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's (CDPHE) public health order 20-38, which applies to Boulder County, requires that staff, visitors, and other individuals in prisons, jails, community corrections, substance abuse and drug treatment centers, adult day centers and day programs, and similar facilities wear a face covering if the CDC Community Tracker is in Medium or High. Staff are required to wear a medical grade face covering, and facilities may require visitors and patrons to wear medical-grade face coverings.

Businesses not subject to CDPHE order 20-38 may still choose to require masks for their employees and patrons. Individuals may also choose to mask while around others.