Colorado Coronavirus Emergency Alert Warns Of 'Severe Risk'

An emergency coronavirus alert was sent to Coloradans' phones at 9 a.m. Sunday. So many people clicked on the alert's link to the state's COVID-19 data page, that the website crashed.

The alert warned of 'severe risk' as coronavirus rates continue to climb in our state. Between 4 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Saturday, 3,685 new cases were reported in Colorado, and nearly half of our state's supply of ventilators were in use.

As of Saturday, 36 percent of Colorado hospitals said they anticipated staff shortages within the next week, and 13 percent of facilities said they anticipate intensive care unit bed shortages over the next week, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

All intensive care beds in Mesa County hospitals were occupied Wednesday, and only three intensive care beds were available at Weld County hospitals, Gov. Jared Polis announced Friday.

Twenty counties have shifted to the more restrictive 'Level Red' on the state's COVID-19 dial. The level limits restaurants to outdoor dining, takeout and delivery, and the last call for alcohol is 8 p.m. Stores are limited to 15 percent capacity. Nobody is allowed to gather with people who live outside their household.

In an effort to keep Colorado's economy afloat and avoid a full lockdown, state public health officials added a new level — purple — to the COVID-19 Dial:

Don't miss the latest coronavirus updates from health and government officials in Colorado. Sign up for free Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily.

More than 2,300 people have died in our state due to COVID-19, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.