Colorado Coronavirus Update: 2,619 New Cases Reported

Colorado has begun to see a rise in daily coronavirus case numbers after the holiday season, state public health data shows.

Between Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday afternoon, 2,619 new cases of the coronavirus were reported in Colorado.

As of Wednesday, 349,450 cases of the coronavirus have been reported in the state among 2,195,311 tests that have been administered since the outbreak began, health officials confirmed. Around 19,703 people have been hospitalized.

Colorado's COVID-19 death toll:

• Deaths due to COVID-19: 3,986
• Deaths among cases: 5,050

Around 33 percent of the state's critical care ventilators were in use as of Wednesday, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

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Around 17 percent of Colorado hospitals reported anticipating staff shortages over the next week, and 7 percent of hospitals reported anticipating ICU bed shortages.

All 'Level Red' counties shifted Monday to 'Level Orange' on the state's COVID-19 dial, which means businesses are allowed higher capacity caps and 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.

"5 Star certified businesses currently in Orange Level counties may be eligible for less restrictive capacity limits outlined in Yellow Level, after engaging in a consultation and approval process with their local public health agency," state officials said in a news release issued late Monday night.

Colorado continues to receive vaccine shipments, most of which are going to high-risk health care workers. The state plans to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine in three phases over the next nine months.