A recent increase in Arapahoe County’s COVID incidence rates has forced the County to implement its mitigation plan for controlling the spread of the virus. Over the past few weeks, the County has been in Level 1 of the State’s Safer at Home public health orders. The incidence increases could move the County to Level 2, which means the County may be at risk of heightened restrictions. But there's still opportunity for businesses and residents to reverse the trends. (The State’s COVID-19 page is updated daily and may not reflect the most current information.)

Practically speaking, this means that all County residents and visitors should recommit themselves to wearing masks or face coverings, maintaining at least six feet of social distancing from others, and washing hands frequently. It also means that people should avoid indoor gatherings as much as possible, even with family or friends, unless they can be certain that the attendees are COVID free. This is especially crucial now that the weather is cooling and more gatherings are moving indoors.

Failure to slow or reverse these trends could place the County at risk of further restrictions, including shutdowns. As part of the mitigation strategy, which has been approved by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), officials from Arapahoe County and the Tri-County Health Department will work together to monitor case numbers and hospitalization rates, to ensure that no systems are in danger of becoming overwhelmed.

Please visit the County website, CDPHE and Tri-County Health for updates.