For the second consecutive week, the number of coronavirus outbreaks in Colorado increased, continuing a reversal after weeks of improvement.
There were 678 active outbreaks in Colorado, according to data released Wednesday by the state Department of Public Health and Environment. That's up from 626 last week and 578 on March 31. It's part of a broader collage of COVID-19 metrics that have prompted Gov. Jared Polis to label the current spike a fourth pandemic wave.
The number of nursing home and assisted-living outbreaks increased. The numbers are still small — 15 assisted-living and 34 skilled nursing outbreak The outbreaks hit despite mass vaccinations in long-term care facilities, which led to the most residents and staff members being inoculated.
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Of the 678 current outbreaks, 150 are in K-12 schools. That, too, is more than last week, though educational outbreaks have remained high throughout this semester, as students return to classrooms.
There were more restaurant and child care center outbreaks this week, as well.
Statewide COVID-19 case totals, hospitalizations and positivity rates are up month. The seven-day average of newly reported cases this week hit its highest point since January, with 513 coronavirus patients hospitalized -- up by 150 in less than two weeks.
According to state data, most Colorado counties are rated as having high levels of COVID-19 incident rates.
State officials this week plan to let counties decide their own pandemic restrictions.
