Jefferson County Moves to Level Blue on Dial 2.0

Graphic from Jefferson County Public Health

Effective Feb. 26 at 6 a.m., Jefferson County will move to Level Blue: Caution on the state’s Dial 2.0. Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) was notified about the move by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).

The shift to Level Blue comes after the county’s one-week incidence and test positivity rates for COVID-19 have fallen into the designated metrics for this lower level of restrictions, and this trend has been sustained for a full week. In Jeffco, from Feb.17-23, we had a total of 531 cases of COVID-19, or 91.1 per 100,000 residents. Our test positivity rate has hovered at around 3%. We have also seen decreased and stabilized hospitalizations due to COVID-19 during this time.

Under Level Blue, restrictions will ease further, with higher capacity limits on restaurants, gyms, group sports, indoor and outdoor events, manufacturing and more. To see the full list of changes from Level Yellow to Level Blue, please visit https://covid19.colorado.gov/covid-19-dial.

In light of these changes, Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) reminds all in the Jeffco community, from individuals to businesses, to continue to follow guidance on disease prevention steps, like wearing a mask, staying home when possible, keeping a 6-foot distance, washing hands often, avoiding large gatherings, getting tested for COVID if you experience symptoms, and getting the vaccine when eligible.

“Working hard to stay safe and continuing to follow precautions is how we have come this far. While the move to Level Blue is a positive step, and one we can all feel hopeful about, if we don’t continue to operate cautiously we could quickly lose the ground we have gained,” said Dr. Dawn Comstock, Executive Director of JCPH. “The virus is still out there and we still need to take steps to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our community. We should look at Level Blue not as a ‘free for all,’ but rather a step in the right direction.”

Once under Level Blue, all Jefferson County businesses can operate under those requirements. Those who are certified under the Five-Star Certification Program will also be operating at Level Blue. Some Five-Star certified businesses have decided to opt-in to the program and take the required extra steps to increase confidence that they are going above and beyond to keep their customers and employees safe. Jefferson County will continue to work with businesses that would like to participate in the Five-Star Certification Program and continually monitor and update information as it changes.

“JCPH applauds those businesses that have become Five-Star certified by demonstrating their commitment to COVID prevention,” Dr. Comstock said. “These businesses have shown they are dedicated to the safety of their customers. I appreciate their efforts and hope our Jeffco community will join me in thanking them.”

To learn more about Level Blue and the COVID-19 Dial 2.0, please visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s webpage. More information about Jeffco’s place on the dial is available on JCPH’s Dial webpage.

About Jefferson County Public Health

Public health is what we as a society do collectively to prevent illness and premature death and promote health in our neighborhoods and communities. Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is a nationally accredited health department committed to promoting and protecting health across the lifespan for all people through prevention, education and partnerships. To learn more about JCPH visit https://www.jeffco.us/public-health. You can also follow JCPH on Twitter @JeffcoPH, Instagram @JeffcoPH and Facebook @jeffcopublichealth.

Joel Newton

Joel has been a resident of Edgewater, Colorado with his family since 2012. He is the Executive Director of local education nonprofit Edgewater Collective and Editor of the Edgewater Echo.