This report gives you a summary of the data over the past week and the status of COVID-19 in the community.** For more detailed information, please visit our COVID-19 data dashboards.
Current CDC Risk Level
Low
Moderate
Substantial
High
Pitkin County is currently experiencing a High Level of community transmission (defined as >= 100 cases / 100,000 cumulative incidence rate or a testing positivity rate of over 10%). Learn More.
AVH Hospital Status Updated to Comfortable
Aspen Valley Hospital changed its status from “Cautious” to “Comfortable” on Thursday, October 7th. This change was due to improvements in the metrics of staffing, hospital visits, and bed and transfer capacities that determine the status of hospital capacity since the beginning of October. Pitkin County’s mask mandate remains in place as CDC community transmission levels have been in the “High” or “Substantial” levels for the past 21 days. For more information on the current COVID-19 transmission levels and hospital status, visit the Pitkin County COVID-19 status webpage.
Tune into the Board of Health meeting today at 1PM for an update from the Hospital and planning efforts as we look to the winter season.
Hospital Status (As of 10/12)
- Aspen Valley Hospital Capacity: COMFORTABLE
(Based on an evaluation of inpatient hospitalizations, transfer capacity, healthcare workers out and average daily visits in ER, respiratory evaluation and COVID testing) - Pitkin County Resident Hospital Admissions: 3 (in past 2 weeks anywhere in CO)
- Pitkin County Resident ICU Admissions: 1 (in past 2 weeks anywhere in CO)
- All Colorado Hospitalizations: 88% of Acute Care Beds in Use
91% of ICU Beds in Use
78% of Those Hospitalized are Unvaccinated
7-Day COVID-19 Case Summary (10/06 – 10/12)
- New Pitkin County cases: 28 (2 under 18 years old)
- Vaccinated – 23 (cases (breakthrough)
- Unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated – 5
- Resident Incidence Rate: 158/100,000
(The cumulative incidence rate is calculated by dividing the total number of cases over the census population, then multiplying by 100,000) - School and Childcare Cases:
- Child/Student Cases – 2
- Teachers/Staff Cases – 0
- New Out of County cases tested in Pitkin County: 4
(Visitors and those working, but not living, in Pitkin County)
7-Day Testing Summary (10/06 – 10/12)
- Positivity Rate: 7.5%
- Positivity Increase/Decrease: 1.7 increase over the prior 7-day period
Vaccination Status (As of 10/12)
- 72% of all residents are fully vaccinated
- 91% of all residents have received at least one dose
Mask Status
- Indoor Mask Mandate – Effective 9/16
- Effective September 16th, all individuals 2 years or older are required to wear a face covering in all indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status. Learn more.
**The COVID-19 case data was collected by Pitkin County Public Health and may not reflect data reported by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Testing results are from CDPHE reports of all COVID-19 tests among Pitkin County residents. There may be differences between CDPHE positivity estimates and those presented in this report.
COVID-19 Vaccinations and Pregnancy
The most important public health action is to get vaccinated. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your baby during the pandemic. CDC and CDPHE have outlined recommendations for COVID-19 vaccinations for those that are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Please visit the CDPHE or CDC webpages for more information.
School and Childcare Data Dashboard
The data presented on this dashboard is being used by Pitkin County Public Health and the Board of Health to shape mitigation strategies that aim to keep our childcare and schools in-person and safe. You will find valuable information on COVID-19 cases, exposures, quarantines and outbreaks, vaccination rates and much more for children, students and staff, regardless of residency.
COVID-19 Vaccination and Additional Boosters Update
An additional dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is now available for individuals 65+, and 18+ who work/live in high risk settings and/or have an underlying health condition. Those eligible must have completed their initial series of the Pfizer vaccine at least 6 months ago. Here is more information about the Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccine requirements.
At this time, approval for boosters does NOT include Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. Moderna boosters are only available for those with specific medical circumstances, please speak to your physician or care team to determine eligibility. On October 14th and October 15th, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters are being discussed by the FDA. If approved, the CDC will meet the following week to determine administration guidelines. At this time Pitkin County Public Health is not taking appointments for Moderna or Johnson & Johnson boosters.
Pfizer boosters are available at Pitkin County Popup clinics or at some local medical providers.
- If you are interested in being contacted once boosters are approved for the general population and other vaccinations, please fill this form out and you will be notified as more information becomes available.
- See our vaccination FAQs for more information.
More information is available on our vaccine clinic page.
Get Your Flu Shot
Pitkin County Public Health strongly encourages everyone to get a flu shot. The influenza virus changes every year, so getting vaccinated annually is important to make sure you have immunity. People who have had the flu shot generally have less severe symptoms over a shorter period. You don’t want to be hospitalized with the flu ever, but it could be especially tough this year as hospitals may be strained by COVID-19 cases. Contact your primary care provider or local pharmacy for vaccines.
COVID-19 Testing
Whether you are fully vaccinated, have received one of two doses, or are unvaccinated, getting tested is central to doing your part to stop the spread.
The State of Colorado is offering free BinaxNOW™ rapid antigen tests that show results within 15 minutes. This program was specifically designed to provide parents, guardians, and caregivers some peace of mind by making it easy to test their children and help keep schools open. However, all Coloradans can sign up for the Rapid At-Home COVID-19 testing program. Learn more.
For more comprehensive information about getting tested, visit our Get Tested page. *And please, follow quarantine protocols while awaiting test results.
