A rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations has moved Boulder County back into medium community transmission levels, Boulder County Public Health said.
The number of new COVID-19 admissions per 100,000 in the county over a seven-day total is 13.4, shifting the community level from low to medium per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention metrics.
The health department said there have been 108 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people in the past seven days, though these numbers are likely not representative of community spread. Staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients have increased to 3.8%.
As of Nov. 4, the most recently reported date, 18 patients in Boulder County were hospitalized due to COVID-19.
The shift to medium signals a higher risk of COVID infection, and the health department encourages residents to take precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones healthy.
“Colder temperatures and the holiday season mean more people are spending time together indoors in larger groups,” Communicable Disease Control Manager Carol Helwig said. “COVID-19 is increasing, as are pediatric respiratory syncytial virus infections and flu season is only getting started. Getting vaccinated, including a COVID-19 booster and a flu shot, is the best way to keep our community healthy, limit the spread of COVID-19 and influenza, reduce serious illnesses and hospitalization and ease the burden on our already stressed hospitals.”
Along with vaccination, the health department encourages residents to have a plan for COVID testing if they are going to be near someone at high risk for severe disease, hospitalization or death. BCPH recommends residents get tested if they are exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms.
Increasing airflow and ventilation and washing hands regularly can help. The health department asks the public to consider wearing a well-fitting, medical-grade mask as an added layer of protection, especially in close indoor settings or when close to people at high risk.
Get information on COVID-19 testing, vaccinations and more at bouldercounty.gov/families/disease/covid-19-information/.
