Coronavirus cases in Boulder County are rising, community level moves to high

Andrew Pinckney, Colorado Daily, Boulder
·2 min read
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May 27—COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Boulder County and health officials are recommending residents take extra measures to prevent themselves from contracting the disease.

According to a Boulder County Public Health news release, the county has moved into high COVID-19 community levels.

"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 health care facilities in Boulder County is rising," the release states.

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%.

Shawn Hollister, spokesperson for Boulder County Public Health, said there are no plans to reinstate a mask mandate.

"At this moment, there's going to be no further restrictions planned," Hollister said. "However, we really want to encourage everybody to make sure they're taking the right steps."

Hollister advises all residents and visitors to make a plan about how to access the resources they might need such as medical care, time off from work and testing.

Health officials say residents need to be aware of the individual risks, and people at high risk for severe disease, or who have close contact with someone who is, should take additional precautions.

Officials recommend taking these steps:

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

* Follow BCPH recommendations for isolation and quarantine, including getting tested if you are exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19.

* While indoors, use HEPA filters or increase ventilation and airflow by opening windows or increasing air circulation. Move activities outside for the best protection.

* Get fully vaccinated and stay up to date by getting boosted when eligible. Staying up-to-date is an important layer of protection because vaccine immunity wanes over time.

Hollister added that the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's order is still in place, and facilities such as prisons, jails, community corrections and substance abuse treatment centers may have their own requirements.

In those locations, he said, "there are certain requirements for face coverings and different testing as well."

"Keep the people around you safe," Hollister said.

Plans for this weekend's Boulder Creek Festival are continuing unchanged, organizers say. However, they are "very actively monitoring" the county's recommendations.

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