Denver COVID-19 Status Update - Jan. 7, 2022
Published on January 07, 2022
The City and County of Denver provided the following COVID-19 status update:
COVID-19 Response: Looking Ahead to 2022
On Jan. 5, 2022, Mayor Michael B. Hancock, the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment’s (DDPHE) Executive Director Bob McDonald and regional public health and hospital officials provided an update on Denver’s and region’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The group predicted a significant rise in COVID-19 cases across the Denver-metro area and state in January. Kathy Howell, the chief nursing officer at the University of Colorado Hospital said the next month, "is probably going to be the scariest point of the pandemic."
Currently, the seven-day average case rate in Denver is one thousand per 100,000, the highest rate during the pandemic. One in four people tested for COVID-19 are positive in Colorado, and the region’s hospital capacity remains in jeopardy. As such, indoor face covering requirements in Denver have been extended through Feb. 3.
“This virus has and will continue to take the lives of unvaccinated people, primarily unvaccinated people,” stated McDonald. With the start of a new year, it is important to remember the fight against COVID-19 will continue. Vaccinations are the most effective method of protecting yourself, your family and community against COVID-19.
Pfizer Booster Shot Eligibility Expands to Include Children Ages 12-15
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends all those age 12 and up get a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at least five months after completing their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series. Booster shots are important as protection against COVID-19 infection decreases over time. Individuals should get a booster if they:
- Are 12 or older and received their second dose of Pfizer at least five months ago
- Are 18 and older and received their second dose of Moderna at least six months ago
- Are 18 and older and received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago
Get Vaccinated in the Comfort of Your Own Home
The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment is now offering in-home vaccinations are by calling 1-877-COVAXCO (1-877-268-2926). The call line is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For people who cannot make the call themselves, a caregiver, family member or friend can call on their behalf. Multiple languages are also available. While more convenient for some people, arranging an in-home vaccination will take time to coordinate and the visit may take longer than getting the vaccine through another site.
CDC Updates Quarantine and Isolation Guidelines
DDPHE aligns its COVID-19 quarantine and isolation guidance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE). The CDC updated this guidance on Dec. 27, 2021 with shorter isolation (for asymptomatic and mildly ill people) and quarantine periods of five days to focus on the period when a person is most infectious; followed by continued masking for an additional five days. These updated recommendations also facilitate individual social and well-being needs, return to work, and maintenance of critical infrastructure.
Denver’s Public Health Order Extended Through Feb. 3
Denver’s current public health order requires face coverings in Denver and other Denver metro areas for everyone aged 2 and older in all public, indoor spaces was extended through Feb. 3, 2022. The exemption for local businesses and venues that verify full vaccination status before entry will also be extended.
Local businesses and venues may opt to verify vaccinations in lieu of requiring face coverings. If a business or venue can verify that at least 95% of people within the facility (including employees and customers) are fully vaccinated, then face coverings will not be required. Businesses wishing to opt for the vaccine verification check must notify DDPHE of their attestation. This process also applies to one-time events.
Businesses and venues that have already notified DDPHE of their intent to verify vaccination instead of requiring face coverings do not need to submit a new attestation.
For acceptable proof of vaccination and other information about the public health order, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
The City and County of Denver takes the enforcement of current public health orders seriously. Those who wish to report a business that is out of compliance with current COVID-19 public health orders should complete the online form under the “Report a Violation” tab. DDPHE will investigate complaints and implement necessary corrective measures to ensure all public health orders are being followed for the health and safety of our community.
Denver Vaccine Clinics
The Colorado Vaccine Equity Project hosts several free vaccine clinics every week throughout the Denver-metro area at schools, community centers and bus stops. Pre-registration is required for many locations. For more information about these clinics, contact ICOffice@childrenscolorado.org.
In addition, there are several free mobile vaccine clinics with varying vaccine availability located in the Denver-metro area. Appointments are recommended.
Children’s Hospital Colorado is also sponsoring several free clinics offering vaccines for those 5 years and older. For more information about these clinics and to book an appointment, visit the Children’s Hospital of Colorado website.
Information about where to find a vaccine is available at Denvergov.org or by texting your ZIP code to GETVAX (438829) in English, or VACUNA (822862) in Spanish, to get the contact information of three nearby locations with available vaccines.
Denver County Current Status
As with many counties in Colorado, Denver has seen a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases, percent positivity, and hospitalizations over the last two weeks.
*Numbers represent data as of Thursday, Jan. 6 and are subject to change.
- Denver residents 12 and older initiating vaccination – 1st dose received: 89.3 (%)
- Denver residents 12 and older completing vaccination – Fully vaccinated: 81.7 (%)
- Denver residents 5-11 initiating vaccine – 45 (%)
Denver one-week cumulative incidence rate (7-day moving average)
- Friday, Fri. Dec. 31: 1211 average of new daily cases per 100,000 population
- Saturday, Jan. 1: 1275
- Sunday, Jan. 2: 1281
- Monday, Jan. 3: 1323
- Tuesday, Jan. 4: 1320
- Wednesday, Jan. 5: 1112
* The most recent 7 days of testing may be incomplete due to delays in laboratory analysis and reporting.
Hospitalizations: 186
Persons hospitalized with COVID-19 Denver County: (7-day average)
Cumulative Denver positive cases: 123,911
Cumulative Denver deaths from COVID-19: 1,063