COVID-19 Corona Virus - How You Can Prepare

March 5, 2021
Park County COVID-19 Vaccine Update


Park County, Colo. - Park County Public Health is expanding eligibility of people to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to now include: grocery and agriculture workers, people who are 60 and older and anyone 16-64 with two or more high-risk conditions. Clinic appointments may now be made directly from the Park County COVID-19 Response website.

This group joins those people who are currently being vaccinated in Phase one, including healthcare providers, first responders, preK-12 teachers and licensed childcare personnel. Beginning March 5, the following conditions must be met to make your appointment:

People age 60 and older
Frontline essential workers in grocery and agriculture, including workers who cannot maintain physical distance from others at their place of employment, who work in close contact with many people, especially indoors, and in places with poor ventilation including meatpacking workers; grocery store workers; and agricultural processing workers.
People 16-59 with 2 or more high risk conditions: Coloradans who have a high risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 are now eligible to receive a vaccine. This includes two or more of the following:
Cancer (defined as patients who are currently receiving treatment or have received treatment within the last month for cancer), chronic kidney disease, COPD, diabetes mellitus (types 1 and 2), Down syndrome, specific heart conditions (heart failure, cardiomyopathies or coronary heart disease, and severe valvular/congenital heart disease), obesity (BMI ≥ 30kg/m^2), pregnancy, sickle cell disease, solid organ transplant, individuals with disabilities who require direct care in their home, and people with disabilities that prevent them from wearing masks.

Due to the limited nature of the vaccine, clinics are filling up quickly and we will continue to offer additional clinics as more vaccine becomes available. If all the clinic times are full, please be patient, more clinics will be announced soon. Please review additional vaccine providers listed on our website.

For more information about vaccine distribution and updates, visit the Park County Public Vaccine Resource Page and the state’s vaccine website.

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Press Release link

Colorado’s COVID-19 Dial 3.0 released today

REMOTE, (March 23, 2021): As more Coloradans are eligible to get vaccinated and choose to do so, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has released the latest update to Colorado’s COVID-19 dial framework: Dial 3.0. The updated dial public health order goes into effect Wednesday, March 24. State officials expect that Dial 3.0 will remain in effect until mid-April, at which point the state plans to retire the dial and implement a new public health order that gives greater control over capacity restrictions to local public health agencies.

CDPHE shared a draft of the new dial on Friday, March 19, and Coloradans, partners, and stakeholders offered feedback over the weekend.

Dial 3.0 makes it easier for counties to move into Level Green: Protect Our Neighbors, the least restrictive level on the dial. It also removes many of the restrictions that currently apply at that level. Additionally, several restrictions in Level Blue are loosened in Dial 3.0. “Coloradans have made great sacrifices to protect ourselves and our communities from COVID-19 over the past year,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director, CDPHE. “While this is still a time for caution, these changes to the Dial better reflect where we are in the pandemic today, and the balance we are trying to strike between disease suppression and economic hardship.”

Dial 3.0 metrics are further simplified and capacity limits are less restrictive. Download a PDF of the updated metrics and capacity limits. The state will work with counties to confirm their metrics under the new framework.

The main changes in the Dial 3.0, which is expected to be in place from March 24 to mid-April, are:

• The metrics for Level Green: Protect Our Neighbors have changed. These changes make it easier for counties to achieve Protect Our Neighbors status. Now, counties qualify for Protect Our Neighbors if they have up to 35 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people -- up from 15 cases.
• There is no longer a certification process for Level Green: Protect Our Neighbors. Counties will be moved into Level Green once they maintain the appropriate metrics for at least one week.
• Most restrictions in Level Green: Protect Our Neighbors are now removed. Bars and indoor events must still adhere to a 50% capacity limit or a 500-person cap, whichever is fewer.
• The metrics range for Level Blue is now 36 - 100 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people.
• Bars can now open under Level Blue. The capacity limit is 25% capacity or 75 people, whichever is fewer.
• Outdoor events in Levels Green and Blue no longer have state-level capacity restrictions under the dial. Counties may choose to implement capacity restrictions on outdoor events at the local level.
• Retail, offices, and non-critical manufacturing in Level Blue may now open to 75% capacity, up from 50%.
• There is no longer a state limit on personal gathering sizes. The state will follow CDC’s guidance on personal gatherings. The CDC still strongly recommends avoiding larger gatherings and crowds to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• 5 Star restaurants and gyms in Levels Blue and Yellow may operate at 100% capacity with 6 feet of distance between parties as a way to provide businesses with increased flexibility, while still limiting indoor mass gatherings. The state expects that maintaining a 6 foot distancing requirement will be a limiting factor for most indoor spaces.
• 5 Star certified seated and unseated indoor events may operate at 50% capacity with a 500-person limit in Level Blue. 5 Star seated indoor events in Level Yellow may operate at 50% capacity with a 225 person limit and unseated indoor events in Level Yellow may operate at 50% capacity with a 175 person limit.

Read the summary of changes.

“Local public health agencies are so grateful to help the state in the development of Dial 3.0, while also planning for the next step. While we are all excited to move into this new era, Coloradoans need to remain diligent in practicing basic public health prevention measures, like wearing a face covering, social distancing, and avoiding large indoor gatherings. These continue to be critical to slowing the transmission of COVID-19, and these steps will allow our businesses to open at greater capacities and will keep our kids at school, learning in-person,” said Tom Gonzales, executive director, Larimer Public Health.

The dial framework, originally implemented on September 15, 2020, standardizes the levels of openness or restrictions on a county level, based on the metrics of disease transmission, the level of local testing, and hospitalizations. It is a tool that allows Colorado to tailor its response on a county level, recognizing that conditions will vary locally.

The updated dial does not change Colorado’s current statewide mask mandate. Separate from the dial changes, the current mask Executive Order expires April 3, and at that time, the Governor may choose to make modifications. The state released modified mask order components as part of the Dial 3.0 stakeholder engagement process. Feedback received as part of that process will be considered prior to April 3. COVID-19 still presents risks to healthy Coloradans, so everyone should continue to take precautions until the vaccine becomes widely available and used.

Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.

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covid19.colorado.gov/press-release/covid...ial-3-released-today

NREL software engineer helps folks find available COVID-19 vaccines
750,000 unique users accessed site in less than a month
Paul Albani-Burgio This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Canyon Courier | March 15, 2021

Nick Muerdter. Courtesy of Beth Ross

It wasn't long after the first COVID-19 vaccines went into arms that NREL software engineer Nick Muerdter started hearing constantly about the difficulties faced by his coworkers that trying to set up a shot for their family members.

“It sounded like a lot of it was just so repetitive and frustrating because they would go to one pharmacy's website and enter their location and then click on their nearest store and then click several more times to find out `oh, nope they don't actually have vaccines available' and that would just happen over and over again” he said. “I heard from people that were spending their entire day trying different stores and zip codes.”

But where most people would probably just commiserate and move on, Muerdter found himself thinking that there had to be a better way — and that he might just be able to build it.

“I knew computers can do that kind of task a lot more efficiently than humans,” said Muerdter. “So I poked around on some of the pharmacy websites and thought maybe I could try to gather that data from the pharmacy more organically.”

The result of that effort is vaccinespotter.org, a free website that produces a continuously updated list of open vaccine appointment slots around the state.

Website: www.vaccinespotter.org

Another tool you can try is the Standby List for COVID-19 Vaccines

How it works

1. Complete your profile so we can properly prioritize you
2. Verified providers tell us about available doses
3. We text you when a nearby provider needs people for those doses
4. You must respond to claim the dose, and then head to the provider by a certain time

March 24, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Ashley Sever
Public Affairs Manager
720-431-6057
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Nikki Work
Sr. Public Affairs Coordinator, Media Lead
720-431-6071
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jefferson County, Colo. – With the release of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) new Dial 3.0 framework and public health order yesterday, Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is providing a summary of how the new dial affects businesses and individuals in the county. The department also cautions residents that while Jefferson County is currently under Level Blue: Cautious requirements in Dial 3.0, we will be moved by the state to Level Yellow: Concern in the next several days if COVID-19 case incidence rates stay the same or increase. The new Dial 3.0 is effective March 24 and is expected to remain in place through mid-April.

“We are happy to see the state’s path for helping counties ease back into more normalcy and the activities we love. We’re all looking for these signs of progress and hope,” said Dr. Dawn Comstock, Executive Director, JCPH. “Unfortunately, the reality is we need to see much more improvement in Jeffco before we can fully take advantage of the loosened restrictions. On the same day the state released the new Dial 3.0, Jefferson County exceeded the seven-day COVID-19 case incidence rate limit and buffer allowance for Level Blue.”

The following changes are effective in Jeffco under Dial 3.0’s Level Blue at present. The state and county mask orders remain in effect, and in Jefferson County all residents and visitors are required to wear a mask in all indoor and outdoor public spaces when 6 feet distancing cannot be maintained.

• Offices in Level Blue may operate at 75% capacity.
• Retail in Level Blue may operate at 75% capacity.
• Manufacturing in Level Blue may operate at 75% capacity.
• Restaurants in Level Blue may operate at 100% capacity with 6 feet distancing.
• Outdoor events in Level Blue may operate at 100% capacity with 6 feet distancing.
• Recreation in Level Blue may operate at 100% with 6 feet distancing.
• Outdoor guided activities in Level Blue may operate in at 100% capacity with 6 feet distancing, subject to local limits.
• Bars in Level Blue that do not serve food may operate at 25% not to exceed 75 people.
• There is no longer a state limit on personal gathering sizes for Levels Green, Blue and Yellow. The state will follow CDC’s guidance on personal gatherings among vaccinated and unvaccinated people. The CDC — and JCPH — still strongly recommends avoiding larger gatherings and crowds to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• Additionally, in Level Blue, restaurants and recreation — including gyms, recreation centers and pools — that are part of Jefferson County’s Five-Star Certification Program may operate at 100% capacity with 6 feet distancing. All other Five-Star certified businesses in Level Blue may operate with an additional 50 people beyond the capacity cap set for Level Blue. However, no certified business may operate at Level Green capacity.

During March 16-22, there were 707 cases of COVID-19 (121.3 per 100,000) in Jefferson County. The seven-day COVID-19 case incidence rate limit, including a buffer allowance, for Level Blue is 115 cases per 100,000 people. If cases are not reduced below this limit within five consecutive days, CDPHE will move Jefferson County to Level Yellow and residents will be required to follow those requirements.

“We can prevent this,” Comstock said. “We are asking residents to please stay the course. Do it for the grandparents in our community who still have not been able to meet their newborn grandchildren, for loved ones who have been waiting to celebrate their wedding day, or for businesses who are just trying to survive. Find your ‘why’ and continue to wear your mask, keep your distance and avoid gatherings for just a bit longer. We all need each other to do our part right now.”

For more information about Dial 3.0, visit www.jeffco.us/4047/Dial-Status or covid19.colorado.gov/covid-19-dial. You can also find information about JCPH’s local mask order, COVID-19 data, testing locations, vaccination information and more at www.jeffco.us/coronavirus .

About Jefferson County Public Health

Public health is what we as a society do collectively to prevent illness and premature death and promote health in our neighborhoods and communities. Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is a nationally accredited health department committed to promoting and protecting health across the lifespan for all people through prevention, education and partnerships. To learn more about JCPH visit www.jeffco.us/public-health . You can also follow JCPH on Twitter @JeffcoPH, Instagram @JeffcoPH and Facebook @jeffcopublichealth.

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Park County Vaccine Clinic Registration

Park County is currently vaccinating all members of Phase 1, including 1B.4 effective March 19. The new phase (including Coloradans 50 and older) joins the healthcare providers, first responders, preK-12 teachers and licensed childcare providers and those ages 60+, grocery/agriculture workers and anyone under age 60 with 2 or more high risk conditions. View all phases here.

Update: In collaboration with Summit Community Care Clinic PCPH is hosting a drive-thru vaccine clinic this Friday, March 26 in Fairplay. If you are eligible, please register for an appointment below.

10:00-11:00 AM Moderna vaccine (second dose clinic is Friday, April 23, you must be available and you will be automatically scheduled for your second dose) - Register for an Appointment CLINIC IS FULL

11:30 AM -12:00 PM Janssen Vaccine (one-time only) - Register for an Appointment - CLINIC IS FULL

Where: Drive-thru clinic at the RE2 School District located at 640 Hathaway St. Fairplay, CO 80440 - access via Castello Avenue and 8th Street.

Details: There is a 15-minute observation period after you receive your vaccine. There is no cost. Walk- up appointments are not available at this time; all qualified individuals must register for an appointment. If clinics are full, please be patient as we work to offer more clinics in the near future based on the limited supply of vaccine and capacity.

FAIRPLAY CLINIC - March 24 9:30 am – 12:00 pm, South Park Medical Center, 525 Hathaway St., Fairplay, CO 80440 (second dose clinic: April 21 9:30 am – 12:00 pm) - CLINIC IS FULL

BAILEY CLINIC – March 26 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, St. Mary of the Rockies, 236 Bulldogger Rd., Bailey, CO 8042 (second dose clinic: April 23 9:30 am – 12:30 pm) - CLINIC IS FULL

When you register for the first dose, you are automatically scheduled for a second dose and committing to that corresponding date and time. PCPH cannot accommodate rescheduling 2nd doses at this time.

Due to the limited nature of the vaccine, clinics are filling up quickly and we will continue to offer additional clinics as more vaccine becomes available. If all the clinic times are full, please be patient, more clinics will be announced soon. Please review additional vaccine providers below.

Beginning March 19th, vaccination groups expanded to include Phase 1B.4:

• People ages 50 and older
• Student-facing higher education faculty and staff
• Frontline essential workers
• • in food/restaurant services
  • manufacturing
  • for the U.S. Postal Service
  • public transit
  • public health
  • human service workers
• Faith leaders
• Frontline essential direct care providers for people experiencing homelessness
• Frontline essential journalists
• Continuity of local government
• Continuation of operations for state government
• Adults who received a placebo during COVID-19 vaccine trials
• People age 16-49 with one high-risk condition – please see conditions listed in 1B.3, and asthma (moderate-to-severe), cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain), cystic fibrosis, hypertension or high blood pressure, Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune weakening medicines, neurologic conditions, such as dementia, liver disease, pulmonary fibrosis (having damaged or scarred lung tissues), thalassemia (a type of blood disorder).

Beginning March 5th, vaccination groups have expanded to include (per CDPHE):

• People age 60 and older, frontline essential agricultural and grocery store workers, people age 16-59 with two or more high-risk conditions:
  
• Frontline essential workers in grocery and agriculture: The intent of this classification is to prioritize current workers who cannot maintain physical distance from others at their place of employment, who work in close contact with many people, especially indoors, and in places with poor ventilation including meatpacking workers; grocery store workers; and agricultural processing workers.
• People age 16-59 with two or more of the following: Cancer (defined as patients who are currently receiving treatment or have received treatment within the last month for cancer), chronic kidney disease, COPD, diabetes mellitus (types 1 and 2), Down syndrome, specific heart conditions (heart failure, cardiomyopathies or coronary heart disease, and severe valvular/congenital heart disease), obesity (BMI of 30 or more), pregnancy, sickle cell disease, solid organ transplant, individuals with disabilities who require direct care in their home, and people with disabilities that prevent them from wearing masks.

Other Vaccine Options: Pharmacies and Healthcare Providers

The following information has been provided by each hospital system, facility, or provider regarding vaccine distribution plans and options for patients. Please visit their websites to learn more:

COVIDCheck Colorado is managing a pre-registry for people who want to get vaccinated. Once people register, the COVIDCheck team will send out invitations to eligible participants when appointments are available. You can also call 720-735-0031 to register.
Fremont Public Health is accepting appointments
Safeway and King Soopers are accepting appointments for 70 and older
Walmart and Sam's Club locations across the state are offering appointments to eligible Coloradans
CVS and Walgreens locations are also offering limited appointments
Conifer Medical Center
STRIDE Community Health Center
Summit Community Care Clinic
Centura Health
UCHealth
SCL Health
HealthONE

And visit www.cocovidvaccine.org for a complete listing of vaccine providers and sign-up links statewide

Vaccine Phase Details
Next Steps: Phase 2 and 3 Enrollment

The PCPH Pre-Registration is for individuals who qualify for Phase 1 only and there is no list or required sign-up for Phase 2 and 3 populations at this time. Phases 2 and 3 COVID-19 vaccine will be made available:

From pharmacies through a federal contract with 12 national pharmacy chains
Regular health care provider offices

When and where to get the vaccine will be widely advertised when it is available to residents who fit in Phases 2 or 3. Timelines are subject to change based on supply chains. Prioritization is subject to change based on emerging guidance, science, data and availability.

More at parkco.us/810/Vaccine-Resources

Vaccine Resources
Park County COVID19 Vaccine Phase

In accordance with state guidance, Park County will begin offering the COVID19 vaccine to all adults, 18 and older on Friday April 2. We anticipate that everyone who wants it will have access to the vaccine before the end of May.

While the general public is eligible on PCPH will continue to prioritize adults 65 and older. Seniors, please contact the resources below if you experience difficulty getting an appointment:

Park County Senior Coalition: Phone: 719-836-4295 Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Senior Alliance of Platte Canyon: Phone: 720-385-8300. Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

PCPH Upcoming Clinics

FREMONT COUNTY CLINIC- Fremont Public Health is offering a clinic on April 8th from 9 am- 4 pm (2nd dose May 6th). Address: Howard Community Center (5510 County Road 45, Howard, CO). Visit: www.comassvax.org/reg/5901640482 to schedule an appointment.

Details: There is a 15-minute observation period after you receive your vaccine. There is no cost. Walk- up appointments are not available at this time; all qualified individuals must register for an appointment.

Due to the limited nature of the vaccine, clinics are filling up quickly and we will continue to offer additional clinics as more vaccine becomes available. If all the clinic times are full, please be patient, more clinics will be announced soon and check out the resources below.
State-Run Mass Community Clinics

ADAMS COUNTY – Dick’s Sporting Goods Park Sunday – Wednesday, from 9 am - 5 pm. Register: centura.org/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine-information/vaccine-events. Call: 720-263-5737

EL PASO COUNTY – Broadmoor World Arena Friday – Monday, from 10 am - 6 pm. Register: centura.org/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine-information/vaccine-events. Call: 720-263-5737

MESA COUNTY – Grand Junction Convention Center Monday - Friday, from 9 am - 4 pm Register: health.mesacounty.us/covid19/vaccine/

LARIMER COUNTY – The Ranch Events Complex Monday - Saturday, from 10 am - 6 pm. Register: larimerhealth.secure.force.com/Vaccine/

PUEBLO COUNTY – Colorado State Fairgrounds Friday – Monday, from 9 am - 5 pm Register: centura.org/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine-information/vaccine-events. Call: 720-263-5737
Other Vaccine Options: Pharmacies, Healthcare Providers, Neighboring Counties

The following information has been provided by each hospital system, facility, or provider regarding vaccine distribution plans and options for patients. Please visit their websites to learn more:

COVIDCheck Colorado is managing a pre-registry for people who want to get vaccinated. Once people register, the COVIDCheck team will send out invitations to eligible participants when appointments are available. You can also call 720-735-0031 to register.
Fremont Public Health is accepting appointments
Safeway and King Soopers are accepting appointments for 70 and older
Walmart and Sam's Club locations across the state are offering appointments to eligible Coloradans
CVS and Walgreens locations are also offering limited appointments
Conifer Medical Center
STRIDE Community Health Center
Summit Community Care Clinic
Centura Health
UCHealth
SCL Health
HealthONE

And visit www.cocovidvaccine.org for a complete listing of vaccine providers and sign-up links statewide.

parkco.us/810/Vaccine-Resources

Posted April 5, 2021

Park County Expands COVID19 Vaccine Program

Park County, Colo. —

On April 2, 2021, Colorado move into Phase 2 of vaccine distribution, opening vaccine availability to the general public.

Park County Public Health (PCPH) has available appointments for the general public at this week’s vaccination clinic at the South Park Medical Center, 525 Hathaway St., Fairplay, CO 80440.

We offer the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines which are authorized for ages 18 and older. (Pfizer will be the vaccine is authorized for ages 16 and older. PCPH currently does not have Pfizer vaccine. Please see other locations for the Pfizer vaccine at this time.)

In the upcoming days, the general public in Park County should see additional vaccination clinics and appointments by numerous providers to meet local demand. Visit Vaccine Resources | Park County, CO for regular clinic announcements and updates.

Large-scale vaccination sites are also scheduled throughout the state, including El Paso and Pueblo Counties. Registration for the general public is available below:

FREMONT COUNTY - Fremont Public Health is offering a clinic on April 8th from 9 am- 4 pm (2nd dose May 6th). Address: Howard Community Center (5510 County Road 45). Visit: www.comassvax.org/reg/5901640482 to schedule an appointment.

MESA COUNTY – Grand Junction Convention Center
Monday - Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m
Register: health.mesacounty.us/covid19/vaccine/

ADAMS COUNTY – Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Sunday – Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Register: centura.org/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine-information/vaccine-events
Call: 720-263-5737

LARIMER COUNTY – The Ranch Events Complex
Monday - Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Register: larimerhealth.secure.force.com/Vaccine/

EL PASO COUNTY – Broadmoor World Arena
Friday – Monday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Register: centura.org/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine-information/vaccine-events
Call: 720-263-5737

PUEBLO COUNTY – Colorado State Fairgrounds
Friday – Monday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Register: centura.org/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine-information/vaccine-events
Call: 720-263-5737

As of the end of March, 1 million Coloradans were fully vaccinated, and over 1.5 million have received their first dose. On Saturday, Governor Jared Polis announced that 80% of Coloradans 70 years and older have now received at least one dose of the vaccine.

While this comes as great news, it’s going to take some time to get the vaccine to all Coloradans who want to be vaccinated. Some may be able to schedule an appointment for next week. For others, it may take a few weeks. We anticipate that everyone who wants it will have access to the vaccine before the end of May.

Park County Public Health (PCPH) continues to prioritize Park County people who are 65 and older. If you are a senior and having any problems getting a vaccine appointment, please call the resources below and they will help get you signed-up.

Park County Senior Coalition

Phone: 719-836-4295

Address: 825 Clark Street, Fairplay, CO 80440

Office Hours: Monday – Friday 7 AM to 4 PM

In-person appointments are available but please call first!

Senior Alliance of Platte Canyon

Phone: 720-385-8300

Hours: Monday - Thursday – 9 AM to 3 PM

For more information about vaccine distribution, other vaccine clinic locations please visit the Park County COVID-19 Response website and the state’s vaccine website.

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parkco.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=680

April 5, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Ashley Sever
Public Affairs Manager
720-431-6057
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Nikki Work
Sr. Public Affairs Coordinator, Media Lead
720-431-6071
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jefferson County Public Health Amends Local Mask Order
Masks no longer required in outdoor public settings

Jefferson County, Colo. – Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) today amended the countywide mask order ( Public Health Order 20-008 ), which requires anyone in Jeffco to wear a face covering when in indoor public spaces when 6 ft. distancing cannot be maintained from non-household members. Previously, masks had also been required in outdoor public spaces in the county. The amended PHO 20-008 further aligns with the newly released State of Colorado Executive Order D 2021 079, and is reflective of the great progress Jefferson County has made with getting residents vaccinated against COVID-19. JCPH’s PHO 20-008 is effective April 5 and will remain in place until May 6 unless it is rescinded or amended.

“We are making good progress on COVID-19 vaccinations — especially among our high-risk priority populations — and folks are getting outside more where the risk of transmission is reduced,” said Dr. Dawn Comstock, Executive Director, JCPH. “While we are at a place where we can remove the outdoor mask requirements, we are asking our residents and visitors to continue wearing their masks indoors a bit longer so we can stay on the right path. After vaccination, masking and social distancing remain the most effective weapons we have against COVID-19 transmission.”

JCPH’s order supersedes the new State of Colorado Executive Order, as it is slightly more restrictive to better address current COVID-19 transmission in the county and local needs. Specifically, people age 11 and older in Jefferson County must adhere to the following mask requirements according to PHO 20-008 and federal mandates:

• Continue to wear a mask that properly covers your nose and mouth in indoor public spaces where 6 ft. distancing cannot be maintained from non-household members and regardless of the number of people in the space or their vaccination status.
• Per federal requirements, continue to wear a mask when traveling via public conveyances (e.g., airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis, ride-shares) in the U.S.

Variant growth and changes in individual behaviors are major sources of uncertainty at this point in the pandemic. According to recent modeling done by the Colorado School of Public Health team advising the Governor, approximately 27% of Coloradans are currently immune due to vaccination and/or prior infection. Further, while about 68% of Coloradans age 65 years and older are estimated to be immune, and hospitalizations of older adults has declined, modeling suggests that continuing to wear face coverings when in public spaces, at least until mid-May, will prevent substantive numbers of deaths and hospitalizations. Public health experts estimate that 70-85% of the population needs to be vaccinated to stop the ongoing community spread of COVID-19.

“This pandemic is not yet over. Jeffco has once again breached the upper limits of the buffer zone which enables us to continue operating under Dial 3.0 Level Blue, and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment may move Jeffco to Level Yellow this week. Thus, indoor masking is needed to help keep those still trying to get a vaccine safe, and to prevent another surge so we can work towards a summer that looks more like normal,” Dr. Comstock said.

Although masking in outdoor public spaces is no longer required, it is still recommended for individuals with underlying health conditions or those who are engaged in high risk activities.

“Indoor spaces pose a greater risk than outdoor spaces, but outdoor spaces are not entirely without risk,” Dr. Comstock said. “When you’re spending time outside, socializing with larger groups is a greater risk than socializing with smaller groups. Being near others who are shouting, singing or breathing heavily during physical activity is a greater risk. Each individual should assess their risk level when they are outside, and I hope people will have a mask handy in their pocket when in outdoor public spaces so it is easily accessible whenever they find themselves in a higher risk scenario.”

Until we are closer to reaching herd immunity, and until we better understand if vaccinated people can transmit the virus to others, masks should be worn indoors regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status except in certain situations as outlined in PHO 20-008. In addition to wearing masks, the spread of the virus can be reduced or prevented through social distancing, avoiding large gatherings, frequent hand washing, testing, isolation if a person is sick, quarantine if a person has been exposed, case investigation, contact tracing and vaccination.

For more information about the use of face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit www.jeffco.us/coronavirus . Download the full PHO 20-008 here.

About Jefferson County Public Health

Public health is what we as a society do collectively to prevent illness and premature death and promote health in our neighborhoods and communities. Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is a nationally accredited health department committed to promoting and protecting health across the lifespan for all people through prevention, education and partnerships. To learn more about JCPH visit www.jeffco.us/public-health . You can also follow JCPH on Twitter @JeffcoPH, Instagram @JeffcoPH and Facebook @jeffcopublichealth

April 7, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Ashley Sever
Public Affairs Manager
720-431-6057
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Nikki Work
Sr. Public Affairs Coordinator, Media Lead
720-431-6071
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CDPHE Moves Jeffco to Level Yellow on Dial 3.0
Changes effective April 9

Jefferson County, Colo. – On April 7, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) alerted Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) that the county will be moved to Level Yellow: Concern on the state’s Dial 3.0, effective Friday, April 9 at 6 a.m. At that time, Jefferson County community members and businesses must follow the more restrictive Level Yellow requirements and capacity limits per CDPHE’s Tenth Amended Public Health Order 20-36.

“Unfortunately we are slipping in the wrong direction, and we have seen an increase in the COVID-19 case incidence rate, test positivity rate and hospitalizations in Jeffco,” said Dr. Dawn Comstock, Executive Director, JCPH. “This pushes us past our Level Blue limits and into Level Yellow. None of us want to go backwards on the Dial after all of the hard work we’ve put in and sacrifices we’ve made. I urge everyone to stay committed to COVID-19 prevention actions — wear your mask, keep 6 ft. distance and avoid gatherings.”

During March 31-April 6, there were 832 cases of COVID-19 (142.7 per 100,000) in Jefferson County. The seven-day COVID-19 case incidence rate limit, including a buffer allowance, for Level Blue is 115 cases per 100,000 people (for five consecutive days). The majority of new cases are among adults ages 20-39, which is expected given this population just recently became eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Regarding active outbreaks, the majority are within schools and non-regulated businesses (e.g., offices and retail). Other factors contributing to the increase in community spread include significantly decreased social distancing as well as circulation of virus variants.

The following changes are now effective in Jeffco under Dial 3.0’s Level Yellow. The countywide mask order remains in effect and all residents and visitors are required to wear a mask in all indoor public spaces when 6 feet distancing cannot be maintained from non-household members. (Where the state’s Executive Order D 2021 079 is more restrictive for mask-wearing, residents should follow those requirements).

• Restaurants are limited to 50% of the posted occupancy limit, not to exceed 150 people per room. Last call is at 1 a.m.
• Bars must close unless they serve food.
• Indoor events are limited to 50% of the posted occupancy limit, not to exceed 150 people per room within usable space. Usable space for seated events and unseated events with fewer than 50 people is calculated by using 6-feet distancing between non-household contacts. For unseated events with more than 50 people, usable space should be calculated using the Distancing Space Calculator.
• Outdoor events are limited to 50% of the posted occupancy limit, not to exceed 175 people within the usable space per designated area calculated using the Distancing Space Calculator. If the event is seated, usable space should be calculated by using 6-foot distancing between non-household members.
• Recreation, including gyms, rec centers and pools, is limited to 50% capacity, not to exceed 50 people per room indoors or activity area outdoors. Establishments larger than 7,200 square feet may use the Distancing Space Calculator to expand to 100 patrons per room within their usable space.
• Organized sports are limited to 25 players, excluding coaches, referees and umpires.
• Outdoor guided activities are limited to 50% capacity, not to exceed 10 people.
• Youth camps are limited to 10 participants indoors and 25 participants outdoors.
• Businesses certified under the Five-Star Certification Program in Jefferson County may operate under Level Blue limits.

“There are some important occasions coming up in the next several months — graduations, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and the much anticipated start of summer. It’s important that we take the necessary steps now to reverse this trend, so we have the opportunity to celebrate the things and people we love and enjoy. We missed many of these special occasions last year, but if we work hard now it doesn’t have to be the case for 2021,” Dr. Comstock said.

For more information about Dial 3.0 and requirements for various activities, visit www.jeffco.us/4047/Dial-Status or covid19.colorado.gov/covid-19-dial. You can also find information about JCPH’s local mask order, COVID-19 data, testing locations, vaccination information and more at www.jeffco.us/coronavirus .

About Jefferson County Public Health

Public health is what we as a society do collectively to prevent illness and premature death and promote health in our neighborhoods and communities. Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is a nationally accredited health department committed to promoting and protecting health across the lifespan for all people through prevention, education and partnerships. To learn more about JCPH visit www.jeffco.us/public-health . You can also follow JCPH on Twitter @JeffcoPH, Instagram @JeffcoPH and Facebook @jeffcopublichealth

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