Coronavirus In Colorado-Fri., April 24 Updates: Colorado Springs PrideFest Canceled

This post will be updated throughout the day.

Update: 4:15 p.m.

---Updated State Data---

There are 12,255 known confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. This includes both people who tested positive for the virus and people who have been in contact with someone who tested positive and is exhibiting symptoms.

2,366 people have been hospitalized and 674 people have died thus far due to the novel coronavirus in Colorado. More than 56,789 people have been tested, though the number may not include all negative results.

It is worth nothing that the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has changed the way it tabulates deaths as a result of COVID-19, which may lead to an increase in the number of reported fatalities. 

Starting this week state epidemiologists are beginning to review cause of death information on death certificates and adding COVID-19 related deaths if they weren't preciously reported. Additionally, data will include "probable" COVID-19 deaths, which means the person had no known positive test, but the death certificate lists COVID-19 or an equivalent as a cause of death.

There are 134 outbreaks reported at residential and non-hospital healthcare facilities.

This data is complete through Thurs., April 23.

In Southern and Southeastern Colorado counties, known cases of COVID-19 are as follows:

  • El Paso – 853 (+55 over the previous day) 
  • Douglas – 414 (+15) 
  • Pueblo – 120* (+6)
  • Chaffee – 65*
  • Elbert – 27 (+1)
  • Teller – 26 (+1)
  • Fremont – 19
  • Kit Carson – 19 (+1)
  • Baca – 10
  • Alamosa – 10 (+1)
  • Otero – 8 (+1)
  • Costilla – 3
  • Las Animas – 3
  • Lincoln – 3
  • Custer – 2
  • Crowley – 2
  • Huerfano – 1
  • Prowers – 1
  • Kiowa – 0

*Pueblo County is reporting 120 cases, not all of which are currently reflected in state data. Chaffee County has reported 65 cases total, not all of which are reflected in state data. 

Additionally, Colfax County in Northern New Mexico is reporting five known cases of COVID-19, which is the same as the previous report.

Update-1:42 p.m.

---Colorado Springs PrideFest Canceled---

This year's PrideFest in Colorado Springs has been canceled. Originally scheduled for July 11 and 12, organizers say "public health risks are too great for a festival and parade this summer."

"We are devastated that we can't have the festival this year," said Executive Director Nic Grzecka in a press release. "It's PrideFest's 30th anniversary, and we hate to miss it. Canceling is the right decision though."

According to organizers, they're looking into creating virtual ways for Colorado Springs residents to show pride and will announce events on its website and Facebook page.

---State Receives N95 Respirator Decontamination System---

The state has received a Battelle Critical Care Decontamination System that is used to clean and disinfect N95 respirators so that they can be reused. According to the state, the system can clean and decontaminate up to 80,000 used respirators per day, allowing one respirator 20 additional uses without any adverse consequences.

Colorado is expecting to receive two of these systems from U.S. Health and Human Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

One is being installed at the Adams County Fairgrounds. A location for the second unit is still being determined. 

In order to get respirators cleaned, health care providers need to fill out an enrollment form.

---Latest State Data---

There are 11,262 known confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. This includes both people who tested positive for the virus and people who have been in contact with someone who tested positive and is exhibiting symptoms.

2,237 people have been hospitalized and 552 people have died thus far due to the novel coronavirus in Colorado. More than 52,324 people have been tested, though the number may not include all negative results.

There are 130 outbreaks reported at residential and non-hospital healthcare facilities.

This data is complete through Wed., April 22.

In Southern and Southeastern Colorado counties, known cases of COVID-19 are as follows:

  • El Paso – 798 
  • Douglas – 399 
  • Pueblo – 114*
  • Chaffee – 58*
  • Teller – 25
  • Elbert – 26
  • Fremont – 19
  • Kit Carson – 18
  • Baca – 10
  • Alamosa – 9
  • Otero – 7
  • Costilla – 3
  • Las Animas – 3
  • Lincoln – 3
  • Custer – 2
  • Crowley – 2
  • Huerfano – 1
  • Prowers – 1
  • Kiowa – 0

*Pueblo County is reporting 114 cases, not all of which are currently reflected in state data. Chaffee County has reported 58 cases total, not all of which are reflected in state data. 

Additionally, Colfax County in Northern New Mexico is reporting five known cases of COVID-19, which is the same as the previous report.