Colorado Coronavirus Update: 1,913 New Cases Reported

Colorado has begun to see a decline in coronavirus case rates over the past few weeks, according to the latest public health data.

Between Monday afternoon and Tuesday afternoon, 1,913 new cases of the coronavirus were reported in Colorado, according to public health data.

As of Tuesday, 313,552 cases of the coronavirus have been reported in the state among 2,056,794 tests that have been administered since the outbreak began, health officials confirmed. Around 17,481 people have been hospitalized.

Colorado's COVID-19 death toll:

• Deaths due to COVID-19: 3,601
• Deaths among cases: 4,369

Around 42 percent of the state's critical care ventilators were in use as of Tuesday, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

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Around 19 percent of Colorado hospitals reported anticipating staff shortages over the next week, and 7 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 has received its first vaccine shipments, which go to high-risk health care workers — those who have direct contact with COVID-19 patients for 15 minutes or more.

"This is great news for our health care workers and those at highest risk in our state and the beginning of the end of the pandemic," Gov. Jared Polis said.

"We still have a ways to go and Coloradans should double down now and continue to do what we know works in the fight against this virus and that's wearing masks, physically distancing, and avoiding personal gatherings."

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