Colorado Coronavirus Update: 1,749 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, 1,749 new cases of the coronavirus were reported in Colorado, according to public health data.

As of Sunday, 341,250 cases of the coronavirus have been reported in the state among 2,158,828 tests that have been administered since the outbreak began, health officials confirmed. Around 18,713 people have been hospitalized.

Colorado's COVID-19 death toll:

• Deaths due to COVID-19: 3,907
• Deaths among cases: 4,934

Around 37 percent of the state's critical care ventilators were in use as of Sunday, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Don't miss the latest coronavirus updates from health and government officials in Colorado. Sign up for free Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily.

Around 18 percent of Colorado hospitals reported anticipating staff shortages over the next week, and 6 percent of hospitals reported anticipating ICU bed shortages.

All 'Level Red' counties are set to shift Monday to 'Level Orange' on the state's COVID-19 dial, which means businesses will be allowed higher capacity caps and face fewer restrictions.

Colorado has launched a certification program that counties can apply for. The program allows some businesses — those that prove they have enhanced COVID-19 protocols — to operate under a less-restrictive level on the dial.

As of Monday morning, several county officials said they are working with the state to determine whether metro Denver businesses can operate under Level Yellow on the dial.

Colorado continues to receive vaccine shipments, most of which are going 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.