EL PASO COUNTY — As we approach the four-month mark of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a spike of positive cases in El Paso County.
"What is concerning is that since mid-June we've seen a fairly steady rise over the last three weeks or more," said El Paso County Public Health, Medical Director, Dr. Robin Johnson. The rise points to a specific age group who could be putting others at risk.
Recent data shows a major increase in positive cases among young people in the 20 to 29 age range. In the first month of the COVID-19 outbreak, the group accounted for 10% of cases. In the last month the number is just over 28%.
The state overall has seen an uptick in cases over a two-week period that began in mid-June, according to Gov. Jared Polis. As a result, the governor closed bars and nightclubs on June 30 for a 30-day period to help control the spread of COVID-19.
Polis said these uptick in cases were seen among the younger population and it shows that these environments are not entirely safe and ready to reopen.
The rising number comes as restrictions have eased. Many young people have become very casual about COVID-19 prevention measures. Johnson hopes they see the numbers and adjust their thinking.
"I probably need to rethink how I'm socializing, how much interaction I'm having, how many events I'm going to, and most importantly who am I going to interact with who might have a worse reaction."
The age group is less likely to die from COVID, but they are putting others in higher risk categories and age groups in danger. State health officials anticipate a larger second wave of COVID-19 infections in the fall, along with seasonal influenza.
Dig into the data:
El Paso County Public Health COVID-19 Data Dashboard
Pueblo Department of Public Health & Environment COVID information
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment COVID-19 site
U.S. Centers for Disease Control
World Health Organization
Johns Hopkins University is also tracking COVID-19
Find your district's Back to School plan in response to COVID-19
