Hilltoppers,
Even though we’ve had a string of good news lately with our facilities testing COVID-19 free and relaxed restrictions on the horizon, this is not the time to lose focus. I want to share a few statistics that have come in recently on the state level:
- Colorado has reported the largest day-to-day increase of hospitalizations since the virus peaked in mid-April. Currently, 229 people are hospitalized with the virus in Colorado with another 93 under investigation.
- According to CDPHE, most modeling data indicates a second peak of COVID-19 hospitalizations could come in mid-August when students return to school. In most modeling scenarios, officials expect the next peak to be larger than the peak in April.
- Colorado health officials are preparing for a possible surge by expanding testing (the state has tested 219,331 people so far with the goal of administering 10,000 tests per day), developing an online symptom tracking tool, and establishing alternative care sites to accommodate patients if hospitals cannot.
There is no “new” advice I have for you in regard to how we can help lessen the impact of a second surge. Washing our hands, wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and generally staying vigilant and aware is the best any of us can continue to do.
Together, we (still) got this.
Mike
