Colorado Coronavirus Update: 1,253 New Cases Reported

Colorado has seen a decline in coronavirus case rates over the past few weeks, public health officials said.

Between Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon, 1,253 new cases of the coronavirus were reported in Colorado, according to public health data.

As of Sunday, 325,018 cases of the coronavirus have been reported in the state among 2,107,776 tests that have been administered since the outbreak began, health officials confirmed. Around 17,912 people have been hospitalized.

Colorado's COVID-19 death toll:

• Deaths due to COVID-19: 3,605
• Deaths among cases: 4,610

Around 38 percent of the state's critical care ventilators were in use as of Sunday, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

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Around 21 percent of Colorado hospitals reported anticipating staff shortages over the next week, and 6 percent of hospitals reported anticipating ICU bed shortages.

Many Colorado counties continue to operate under 'Level Red' on the state's COVID-19 dial. Under the level, indoor dining at restaurants is prohibited, and the last call for ordering alcohol is 8 p.m.

Colorado has launched a certification program that counties can apply for. The program is similar to the state's variance process, which has allowed some malls, attractions and other operations — those that prove they have enhanced COVID-19 protocols — to operate under a higher capacity cap and fewer restrictions.

Colorado continues to receive vaccine shipments, most of which go to high-risk health care workers — those who have direct contact with COVID-19 patients for 15 minutes or more.

Colorado plans to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine in three phases over the next nine months.