COVID-19 incidence rate rises in El Paso County as officials weigh next steps
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- El Paso County reported a two-week COVID-19 incidence rate on Monday that has local leaders looking at whether or not to enact tighter restrictions as the coronavirus appears to be in another wave.
As of Monday, the two-week incidence rate is 180.8 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people. At the same time, hospitalizations haven't dropped since the beginning of the month.
Last week, we reported that El Paso County saw its highest single day total of COVID-19 cases with 145 on Wednesday. The incidence rate at the time was 143.4.
But at issue is the county's framework for coronavirus guidelines. The El Paso County Department of Public Health and Environment still listed the county in "Safer At Home: Level 1."
The county has been in the range for Level 2 guidelines for two weeks as of this weekend, but no action had been taken by the county to increase restrictions. If Level 2 guidelines are enacted, indoor capacities would drop from 175 to 100 and outdoor capacities would drop from 250 to 175.
However, the state's guidelines say that any county with a sustained incidence rate over 175 for two weeks will need to consult with the state public health department and possibly move to Level 3. If that incidence rate rises above 350 for two weeks, the county could revert back to "Stay at Home" orders.
On Monday, the county said officials had a conversation with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment last week, and a meeting is scheduled for later this week to "further discuss local metrics, trends and mitigation efforts."
The statement from El Paso County on Monday didn't specifically mention further restrictions. However, Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers says if the trend in cases continues the City and County will take action. "We’re certainly looking at smaller indoor crowds, go back to 50," Suthers says. "I think we could see some further restaurant restrictions.”
However, Suthers says the State Health Department and Governor Jared Polis are hesitant on the County implementing rollbacks and are giving them time to try and bring the numbers down before that happens.
“It’s going to have a negative impact on the economy," Suthers says. "We want to avoid that.” But that doesn't mean it's off the table.
“We are urging our residents to take this spike seriously to help keep our community safe and to help us avoid increased restrictions that could negatively impact our economic recovery. While I realize we are all fatigued, this is not the time to let down our guards,” said Suthers.
As to why we haven't implemented restrictions already, Dr. Robin Johnson with El Paso County Public Health says rolling back on restrictions now will have other health impacts.
"It's about the connectedness and our social and emotional health our economic health," Dr. Johnson says adding they are trying to find balance. However, she and Suthers say they won't hesitate to recommend more restrictions if things don't turn around soon.
According to statistics provided by EPC public health on Monday, the daily average number of cases for the past two weeks was 93.3, which is the highest rolling two week average since testing began in March.
