Arapahoe County Warns Of Possible Coronavirus Dial Shift

ARAPAHOE COUNTY, CO — Arapahoe County officials have implemented a mitigation plan after an increase in coronavirus case rates.

The county is at risk of moving to Level 2 of the state's safer at home public health orders, which could include heightened restrictions for businesses, officials said. The county is under Level 1, which allows for more leniency. Denver, Jefferson and Adams counties are under Level 2.

Over the past two weeks, 852 new cases and 4 deaths have been reported in Arapahoe County.

The county's mitigation strategy has been approved by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Under the plan, the county will work with the Tri-County Health Department to monitor case numbers and hospitalization rates to ensure that "no systems are in danger of becoming overwhelmed," officials said.

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"There's still opportunity for businesses and residents to reverse the trends," county officials said in a news release.

"Practically speaking, this means that all County residents and visitors should recommit themselves to wearing masks or face coverings, maintaining at least six feet of social distancing from others, and washing hands frequently," the release read.

"It also means that people should avoid indoor gatherings as much as possible, even with family or friends, unless they can be certain that the attendees are COVID free. This is especially crucial now that the weather is cooling and more gatherings are moving indoors."

>> Read the Arapahoe County mitigation plan here.