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Boulder County transitions to COVID community level 'medium'

As cases rise in the county, residents should take additional safety precautions
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NEWS RELEASE
BOULDER COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
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The number of new cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people in Boulder County over the past seven days has exceeded 200, shifting the community level from low to medium, per guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  

The shift indicates that the risk of COVID infection is increasing in the community and enhanced prevention measures are recommended to keep people healthy and limit the strain on healthcare systems in Boulder County.  

"The increase of cases was not unexpected as the more contagious BA.2 variant spreads locally and nationally," said Carol Helwig, Communicable Disease Program Manager for Boulder County Public Health (BCPH).

"It is important for all of us to stay mindful of applying measures to protect each other, especially to protect people who are older or who have underlying medical conditions. Therapeutics can prevent the most severe outcomes of disease. It's a good time to talk to your medical provider and ensure that you have a plan to access treatment promptly if you become ill." 

Factors, including the number of people living in Boulder County who are fully vaccinated and up to date with boosters, the availability of highly effective therapies to treat COVID-19, and healthcare providers who can treat the virus help to protect against the most severe outcomes of COVID. However, as the cases of COVID increase in the community, so does the risk of contracting the disease.    

Take these steps to stay safe:  

  • Get yourself and your family fully vaccinated and stay up to date by getting boosted when eligible. Vaccines are safe, effective and free for anyone aged 5+, and they drastically reduce the chance of hospitalization and death.  
  • 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.   
  • 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.   
  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.   
  • Consider wearing a well-fitting, medical-grade mask as an added layer of protection, especially when close to people at high risk for severe disease, hospitalization, and death or in settings that primarily serve individuals who are not up to date or at high risk for severe disease.   
  • If you are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe disease:  
    • Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions.   
    • Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you are a candidate for treatments like oral antivirals.     

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

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

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 people in certain settings, including shelters, healthcare facilities, prisons, jails, and community corrections facilities comply with certain requirements for face coverings and COVID-19 testing.   

COVID-19 resources in Boulder County: