Spike in new COVID-19 cases in Boulder

Boulder County Health announced 108 new cases of COVID-19. The majority of those new cases are among college-age people living in the Hill neighborhood. There are also new cases in people who traveled out of town recently and in people who attended large gatherings in Boulder.

“It’s important to remember that this virus is still active in our community and we all need to take personal responsibility to follow the orders and guidance. Our personal actions can have social, economic, and health consequences for the entire community,” said Jeff Zayach Boulder County Public Health executive director.

Until now, Boulder County had the second lowest case rate in the metro area. These new cases puts Boulder with the third highest increase in new cases after Denver and Adam counties.

“Regardless of where you live, this increase in cases can affect you,” said Carol Helwig, Boulder County Public Health Communicable Disease Control program manager. “If there was ever a time to choose to stay home, now is the time. If you have to go out, continue to be very diligent about social distancing, wearing a face covering, and washing your hands.”

A reminder about COVID-19 symptoms from Boulder County Health:

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus and include fever or chills; cough; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; fatigue; muscle or body aches; headache; new loss of taste or smell; sore throat; congestion or runny nose; nausea or vomiting, and/or diarrhea.

Current data suggest person-to-person transmission most commonly happens during close exposure (e.g. within six feet) to a person infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, primarily via respiratory droplets produced when the infected person speaks, coughs, or sneezes. Droplets can land in the mouth, nose, or eyes or possibly be inhaled into the lungs of those within close proximity.

Transmission may also happen by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Local COVID-19 updates are shared by press release, as well as on the Boulder County Public Health Facebook and Twitter social media pages and Boulder County Public Health COVID-19 website at www.boco.org/covid-19.