*Total COVID-19 Cases: 47,162 (+1,106 from last week)

Total Cases in Berthoud: 2,146 (+59)

Deaths: 394 (+12)

7-day case rate per 100k: 264 (+30)

Hospital Utilization: 87%

ICU Utilization: 108%

7-Day test positivity rate: 6.9%

Risk Score: High

COVID patients in hospital: 79 (+5)

12.77% of the population of Larimer County has been reported to have contracted the virus. Deaths attributed to the virus comprise 0.84% of reported cases. Of reported deaths, 25% were age 75 to 84, 21% were 65-74 and 39% were 85 and older. Twenty people in the county between the ages of 18-54 have died.

As of Monday, Dec. 6, there have been 536,032 doses of the vaccines administered in Larimer County. 76% of county residents over the age of 12 have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

*Case data as of Wednesday.

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The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has stated they are closely monitoring for the new COVID-19 omicron variant and is in contact with the White House, Centers for Disease Control, and Association of State and Territorial Health Officials about the new variant of concern.

The variant was detected through waste water testing in Boulder last week. The state leads a wastewater monitoring collaboration with wastewater utilities, to monitor levels of COVID-19 virus particles found in wastewater. Studies have shown that almost half of individuals who develop COVID-19 have detectable virus particles in their stool before, during, and after their infection, including people without symptoms. The state lab looks for genetic markers in wastewater and is able to identify markers consistent with the presence of COVID-19 variants, including omicron, through wastewater monitoring.

The state lab, along with private and commercial labs, conducts genome sequencing on samplings of approximately 15% of tests administered throughout the state. Genome sequencing allows scientists to detect the variants. Colorado is fourth in the nation for percentage of cases genome sequenced, based on recent CDC surveillance data.

“Pandemics aren’t easy. The virus is tricky and trying to survive us at every turn, but we know what to do to help stop it,” said Dr. Eric France, chief medical officer, CDPHE. “We need everyone to do what they’ve done in the past and continue to take precautions. Protecting yourself against other variants, like the delta variant, as well as the flu, will help us be ready for if when the omicron variant arrives here.”

During a press conference on Tuesday State epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy along with Gov. Jared Polis encouraged Coloradans to continue being tested as a quick diagnosis enables individuals who qualify to receive monoclonal antibody treatment.

“We know from a number of scientific studies that monoclonal antibodies can really have a significant impact in decreasing an individual’s risk of hospitalization we know that that level of protection is probably 70-80% decrease in risk of hospitalization…” Herlihy said. She continued by stating that with hospitals across the state nearing their capacity lowering the number of those that need to be hospitalized it crucial to protect the health of individuals as well as the overall health care capacity.

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Want to see where the Christmas lights are around Larimer County? Visit larimer.org/spotlights/2021/12/06/holiday-lights-around-larimer-county-0 follow the Larimer County Holiday Lights 2021 link then click on any photo or numbered area on the map to see holiday lights photos submitted from around the Larimer County Community.

You can participate and be part of the fun – submit your own holiday lights photo. Click on the ‘Submit Your Light Display’ blue box at the upper right corner of the holiday lights map to submit yours! We’ll include it on the Holiday Lights Map, too. Noel!

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In December, the Colorado Department of Transportation is teaming up with Uber to provide $10,000 in ride credits valued at $15 as part of a promotion to reduce impaired driving in the state. The Governor’s Highway Safety Administration (GHSA) is launching the program in five states, including Colorado. The campaign is part of a grant CDOT received from the GHSA to help reduce impaired driving.

During the Thanksgiving holiday period, 11 people were killed on Colorado roads. Not since 2008 have that many people been killed on Colorado roads over Thanksgiving. Most of those fatal crashes involved drugs or alcohol, according to preliminary data.

From Dec. 1 to Jan. 3, 2022, Coloradans can redeem the $15 ride credit using the code “HOLIDAYSAFE” in the Promotions section of the Uber app. The ride credits, available statewide, are limited to one use per person and valid only while supplies last. The credits must be redeemed from 5 p.m. – 5 a.m. Click here to apply the credit directly to the Uber app from a mobile device.