Boulder County Enters High Community Level for COVID-19
Increased cases and hospitalizations cause a shift from medium to high
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Boulder County, Colo. - The continued rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations has moved Boulder County back into high community levels based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) metrics.
The move from medium to high COVID-19 community level indicates that COVID transmission is high in our community, adding additional strain on hospitals and health care facilities––compounded by elevated rates of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and seasonal influenza.
The shift to high levels signals a higher risk of COVID infection, and county residents can take precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones healthy. Residents are encouraged to wear a mask in public––especially immunocompromised individuals, people over 60 years old and those with existing health conditions at high risk for severe disease. Individuals at increased risk of getting severely sick should ensure they are up to date on COVID and influenza vaccinations, talk to their health care provider ahead of time or as soon as possible after testing positive about how to access antiviral medication, consider avoiding non-essential or crowded indoor activities, and use a mask when in public.
“Our hospital system is already under strain due to RSV, and the flu season is just getting started. We can all take steps to protect the people we care about, especially our loved ones and community members who are older or immune-compromised. The steps that we take will also support our local health care system during the holiday season,” said Carol Helwig, Boulder County Public Health (BCPH) Communicable Disease Control Manager. “We are fortunate to have the tools and resources needed to prevent the worst outcomes––wear a mask when needed, get tested if you have symptoms, keep up to date on vaccinations, access treatment promptly if recommended for you, stay home if you are sick and practice good hygiene.”
Take these steps to stay safe:
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Get yourself and your family fully vaccinated and stay up to date by getting boosted when eligible. Vaccines are safe, effective, free and authorized for anyone over six months old, and they drastically reduce the chance of hospitalization and death.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds regularly throughout the day.
- 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 for severe disease, hospitalization and death.
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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, such as Paxlovid, and make a plan ahead of time to access them if needed.
- Consider avoiding non-essential indoor activities to limit your exposure.
For more tips on how to consider your risk for contracting the disease, visit 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
COVID-19 resources in Boulder County:
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