Rising COVID-19 cases in Larimer County have health officials warning that tighter occupancy restrictions could be placed on restaurants, breweries, gyms and places of worship if the numbers don’t go down.
The county and state have seen a rise in cases in recent weeks across all age groups, said Katie O’Donnell, spokesperson for Larimer County Public Health. There have been “substantial” increases in positive cases among people 18 to 22 years old, she said.
A key metric for the state in deciding what level of restrictions to impose on a county is the average number of cases per 100,000 residents over a 14-day period. As of Friday afternoon, the county’s average was 123 cases.
To keep the county’s current level of restrictions in place, the case rate must go down to about 75, O’Donnell said. Larimer County’s cases rate has been above 75 since Sept. 17.
Colorado uses a dial framework that standardizes different levels of “openness” for counties. Larimer County is in the Level 1 phase but could lose that status and move to stricter Level 2 restrictions on businesses if case don’t go down.
That would mean permitted restaurant capacity could go from 50% with a maximum of 175 people indoors to 50% and a maximum of 50 with parties spaced at least 6 feet apart.
Places of worship could go from 50% with a maximum of 175 indoors under Level 1 to 50% capacity and 50 people. Gyms would go from 50% capacity with a maximum of 175 to 25% capacity.
Group sports capacity would go from 50 people per activity to 25.
Coronavirus: Latest tracking updates from Larimer County and Colorado
Larimer County has been allowed to be open more than the rest of Colorado under a variance the state approved in May. Officials have been working to reach the state’s even less restrictive “Protect Our Neighbors” status.
“Larimer County residents have worked hard to maintain a lower case rate and as a result have reduced illness and death,” said Tom Gonzales public health director, in a press release. “However, we can’t let our guard down.
“I understand we are all tired of these restrictions, but lowering our guard may lead to more illness and further rollbacks for our businesses.”
Health officials say face coverings, social distancing, handwashing and frequent cleaning have helped slow the spread of the virus in the community. However, given the continued rise in cases, it appears residents have become less cautious and may not be following health guidelines.
Larimer County has three weeks to reverse the trend of increasing cases, or the phase of reopening could be moved to Level 2, officials say.
Kevin Duggan is a senior columnist and reporter. Contact him at kevinduggan@coloradoan.com. Support his work and that of other Coloradoan journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today.