Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas Counties Face Tighter Restrictions

Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas counties are at risk of moving to a more restrictive level on Colorado's COVID-19 Dial, according to public health officials.

The restrictions could include reduced capacity for businesses, houses of worship and community gatherings. Bars and restaurants could face earlier last-call times.

Colorado’s dial framework has five levels to guide county responses to COVID-19. Douglas and Arapahoe counties are under Safer Level 1; however Adams County, which is under the more-restrictive Safer Level 2, could soon be the region with the tightest guidelines in the state.

New cases between Sept. 24 and Oct. 7:

• 1,420 new cases and 52 new hospitalizations were reported in Adams County.
• 885 new cases and 39 new hospitalizations were reported in Arapahoe County.
• 400 new cases and 8 new hospitalizations were reported in Douglas County.

The Tri-County Health Department and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment are working with each county to implement mitigation plans.

“We all need to step up our prevention measures to reduce transmission and keep our counties open, said John Douglas, the executive director of Tri-County Health Department.

“That means, we need to limit the number of activities we participate in. “You’re more likely to get COVID-19 from someone you know and spend time with than a stranger.”

Denver and Jefferson counties also face a dial shift after a recent surge in cases across the metro area.

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Prevention measures are especially crucial now that the weather is cooling and more gatherings and restaurant seating will be indoors, health officials said.

“TCHD’s case investigation and contact tracing follow up show that a large number of the positive cases may be connected to both public and private social gatherings,” Douglas said.

“To reduce the spread of infection, when gathering – whether it is indoors or outside, or at a private party or public event – everyone should be sure to wear face coverings, maintain at least six feet of social distancing from others outside of their household, and wash their hands frequently.”