Colorado on track to hit record number of hospitalizations within 2 weeks, study shows
DENVER (KRDO) -- Colorado's increasing coronavirus cases and hospitalizations suggest the state may reach a record number of hospitalizations from the pandemic within two weeks.
The latest model from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Colorado School of Public Health shows that the state will likely exceed the peak seen in April.
CDPHE also said that if the surge is not reduced, then Colorado could reach its intensive care unit capacity in January. Some health officials say they're worried that the holidays and increased gatherings could make the state reach capacity earlier.
“There is a small window to improve transmission control over the next few weeks,” said Dr. Jonathan Samet, dean of the Colorado School of Public Health. “To limit increasing infections and avoid peaks that could strain healthcare capacity over the next three months, a substantial increase in transmission control is needed.”
About one in every 219 Coloradans is currently infections, according to the latest study. That means the likelihood of encountering someone who is infections is higher right now than at any time during the summer, health officials say.
People between the ages of 20 and 39 have the highest infectious contact rates, but the rate of infection among individuals over the age of 65 is also rising.
Per last week's announcement, the state is reminding Coloradans that gatherings should be limited to no more than 10 people from a maximum of two households.
