Increase of Covid Happening
Across Colorado, covid-19 levels have gone up in the past few weeks. Wastewater tests, which show how much of the virus is in a community, are higher than normal. Doctors also say they are seeing more patients with covid-19 symptoms.
Even though not everyone reports home test results, the number currently points to more people getting sick. In Weld County, the exact count is harder to track because the county stopped updating its daily dashboard in 2023. Still, experts believe the trend here is similar to the rest of the state. That means more cases are likely happening in local towns, schools, and workplaces.
Why Cases Are Rising
There are a few reasons why cases may be going up again:
- People are indoors more often—as the weather cools, gatherings move inside, where the virus spreads more easily.
- New versions of the virus: Other versions of the virus can spread faster and sometimes get past immunity.
- Not using protection—many people haven’t had a booster in a while, which makes them less protected.
- Less caution—fewer people are masking, testing, or staying home when sick compared to earlier in the pandemic.
Impact on the Community
An increase in covid-19 cases does not only affect those who get sick, but it can also put pressure on hospitals if too many people need care at once. Older adults and people with health conditions are most at risk for severe illness, but younger, healthy people can also get very sick or spread it to others. Schools and workplaces in Weld County may also feel the impact. The more cases that are coming also mean more people that are calling in, and this is disruptive to the workplaces.
What People That Live in Weld County Can Do
- Stay up to date on vaccines—vaccines help protect against illnesses.
- Wear a mask in crowded spaces ~ for anyone that is high risk or lives with someone who is.
- Test if sickness feeling occurs —testing is good to help everyone know when they
- should stay away from others.
- Stay home if tested positive—resting and staying home helps and protects others from getting sick.
Looking Forward
Experts say covid-19 will likely continue to rise as fall and winter come. That is the time of year when sicknesses like the flu and RSV spread faster. People in Weld County can look for health updates as things change, even if daily covid-19 numbers aren’t posted anymore.
Covid-19 is rising again in Weld County and across Colorado. While the situation is not as severe as in 2020, the virus is still here spreading. By taking simple precautions like keeping vaccines up to date and testing when sick, residents can help slow the spread and protect their families and neighbors.
