NYT study: Pueblo ranks fourth in the US for new cases of COVID-19

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- According to data compiled by the New York Times, Pueblo and Pueblo County is one of the worst areas in the country when it comes to new COVID-19 cases in the last week.

Out of all the metro areas above a population of 50,000 where new cases are rising the fastest, on a population-adjusted basis or per 100k residents, Pueblo/Pueblo County ranks 4th in the country.

The NYT article says Pueblo had more than 700 new cases within seven days a week ago. Over the last seven days, that number has increased to more than 1,700.

The list ranks Abilene, Texas, as the city with fastest-growing new case numbers in the country.

Last week, The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) moved Pueblo County back to level Orange on the COVID-19 Dial, even though some of the county's numbers warrant a new Stay at Home order.

"While the county’s incidence rates are aligned with Public Health Order 20-36 COVID-19 Dial Level Red, we have decided that a gradual implementation of restrictions is suitable at this time," said the CDPHE in a letter to Pueblo County Commissioners and the Director of the Pueblo County Department of Public Health and Environment last week. "As such, CDPHE is moving Pueblo County to COVID-19 Dial Level Orange. CDPHE also
reserves the right to move the county to a more restrictive level at any point should circumstances warrant more aggressive sector restrictions."