Colorado is
experiencing a noticeable uptick in COVID‑19 cases, mirroring a broader
national trend. With the back‑to‑school season underway, understanding
the current situation, the drivers of this surge, and protective measures is
more important than ever.
Current Situation in Colorado
Case Trends
Rising: As of August 13, 2025, COVID‑19 cases are climbing in Colorado.
Wastewater surveillance data for the week ending August 2 indicates Colorado—along with Alaska, California,
Nevada, and Utah—has among the highest levels of COVID activity in the Western
U.S.
Early
Indicators: Colorado’s health department confirms that emergency department
visits and positive test results are increasing. Test positivity sits at around
8%, below some neighboring states like New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas,
and Louisiana—but still on the rise. Hospitalizations have not spiked yet, but
experts remain vigilant.
What’s Behind the Rise?
Wastewater
Surveillance: This data is a leading indicator of COVID‑19 spread,
often reflecting community infections before they're captured through clinical
testing. Rising levels in wastewater suggest infections may continue to climb.
New Variant
— "Nimbus" (N.B.1.8.1): The dominant variant currently circulating in
Colorado is N.B.1.8.1, nicknamed “Nimbus,” known for causing severe throat
symptoms—or what’s colloquially referred to as “razor blade throat.”
Seasonality
& Behavior: Warmer weather surges are becoming typical, and as people shift
indoors—especially with schools reopening—transmission risk increases.
Why This Matters
Potential
Impact on Schools: Rising infection rates coincide with students returning to
classrooms, potentially accelerating spread.
Public
Health Preparedness: Health officials must monitor tests, hospitalizations, and
wastewater to anticipate and respond to surges.
Importance
of Vaccination: Despite policy changes and confusion in federal vaccine
recommendations, state authorities advise that vaccination remains the most
effective way to reduce severe illness, long COVID, hospitalizations, and
death.
Community
Awareness: Recognizing early signals—like wastewater increases and variant
emergence—can guide protective behavior and policy measures.
Call to Action — Public Guidance
Get
Vaccinated or Boostered: Especially vital for high-risk individuals.
Maintain
Masking in Crowded Settings: Particularly in schools and indoor gatherings.
Monitor
Health: Be alert for symptoms like sore throat (especially with “Nimbus”) and
act accordingly.
Stay
Informed: Keep up with updates from the Colorado Department of Public Health
and Environment (CDPHE) and the CDC.
Promote
Responsible Behavior: Encourage communities to take preventive steps that can
mitigate further spikes.
As of mid‑August
2025, Colorado is navigating a summer surge in COVID‑19 cases.
Early indicators like wastewater data and positivity rates suggest the
situation could evolve further. While hospitalizations remain stable, vigilance—including following vaccinations and
preventive guidelines—is essential to managing the spread.