County health officials warn of rising COVID-19 numbers

On July 13, Boulder County experienced the highest one-day spike of new COVID-19 cases in a month, prompting health officials to issue a warning to remain mindful of common-sense safety measures.

“These trends are highly concerning,” Carol Helwig, Boulder County Public Health Communicable Disease Control program manager, said. “We are seeing an explosion of new cases in many of the states around Colorado. If we want to avoid going backwards, every single one of us needs to do what we can: Stay home if you can, and if you must go out, please be very diligent about social distancing, wearing a face covering and washing your hands.”

There were 25 new cases reported on July 13 — until then, cases had plateaued at about 12-13 per day. About 1,540 Boulder County residents have tested positive or are considered probable for COVID-19, according to County data. About seven people have been hospitalized per day over the last two weeks, slightly higher than the rate of hospitalization in weeks prior.

The recent increase in cases is not linked to college students — fewer than 25% of the reported cases were found in that demographic.

“Transmission seems to be limited person-to-person and within the community, but residents have also reported recent travel out-of-state and to Colorado mountain communities during their interviews with our disease investigators,” Emily Payne, Boulder County Public Health data epidemiologist, said.