End of April Statistics Update on COVID-19 in Boulder and Weld Counties

This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.

The statistics below were published by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) on May 2nd for May 3rd and before for Boulder, Weld, and Larimer Counties.

One can see in the table above that the mortality rate from COVID-19 in April in Boulder County was 11.7 deaths per 100,000 people and in Weld County was 27.7 deaths per 100,000 people. To put those mortality rates into some perspective, they can be compared to mortality rates published by the CDPHE for the three leading causes of death in Colorado: cancer, heart disease, and accidents.

CDPHE statistics indicate that in Colorado in the month of April in 2014 through 2019, the average mortality rate from cancer was 11.4, from heart disease was 10.9, and from accidents was 4.1 deaths per 100,000 people. The average mortality rate in a county can vary slightly from the statewide average mortality rate, but not by much in large counties on the plains. It is therefore correct to say that in April, COVID-19 was the leading cause of death in Boulder County, slightly exceeding cancer. And in Weld County, COVID-19 killed more people than cancer, heart disease, and accidents combined, so COVID-19 was by far the leading cause of death.

To provide additional perspective, CDPHE statistics indicate that in Colorado in the month of April in 2014 through 2019, the average mortality rate from all causes (the total number of people who died) was 56.6 deaths per 100,000 people, which is a little over twice the average mortality rate from COVID-19 in Weld County in April.

Cases in the table and graph above include people who have had a test that indicated they were positive for COVID-19 and epidemiologically-linked cases – that is, cases where public health epidemiologists have determined that a COVID-19 infection is highly likely because a person exhibited symptoms and had close contact with someone who tested positive. The number of epidemiologically-linked cases represents a very small portion of the reported cases.

The CDPHE publishes statistics daily by about 4:00 PM. Each daily update includes cases reported through the previous day. Infection and mortality reports may take a day or two to reach the CDPHE and then be verified and published.

County rates per 100,000 are calculated using 2018 population estimates from the Demography Section, Colorado Division of Local Government.

Boulder County Public Health publishes statistics which include the number of people hospitalized and the number who have recovered in Boulder County.

Boulder County Extension of Stay-At-Home Order through May 8.

Along with other local public health agencies in the region, Boulder County Public Health has extended the Colorado Stay-At-Home order through May 8 in order to develop clear strategies and guidelines to prevent a surge of COVID-19 cases when our community moves to the “Safer at Home” phase.

There is one important difference between the statewide Stay-at-Home order and the Boulder County extension. Beginning on April 27, any non-critical businesses may offer curbside delivery of products and travel to pick up these goods will be considered necessary travel. Review the guidance for curbside delivery before getting started.

Boulder County Public Health Facial Covering Order

Beginning on Saturday, May 9 through Tuesday, May 26, 2020 facial coverings must be worn in public anywhere in Boulder County where social distancing of six feet cannot be maintained.

A facial covering mandate can work in concert with reduced social distancing restrictions during the Safer-At-Home to minimize the spread of COVID-19 by reducing exposure to the virus to protect vulnerable populations and to prevent the health care system from being overwhelmed.

Facial Covering Requirement

Each person within Boulder County, except as specifically exempted below, must wear a Face Covering whenever they are outside their residence and unable to maintain, or when not maintaining, a social distance of at least six feet from any non-household members. These requirements supplement and are in addition to any social distancing orders.

Additional information regarding the above orders is available on the Boulder County Public Health web site.