COVID’s rise over coming weeks could strain Colorado health system if too many workers get sick, officials warn

Colorado should expect COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations to keep rising for a few weeks, and while state officials aren’t expecting anything close to last winter’s surge, hospital capacity could become a problem if large numbers of health care workers are out sick.

State epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy noted COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations have been rising, as have the percentage of tests coming back positive and the amount of virus found in wastewater samples. The state’s modeling team projected a peak in mid-June, assuming current trends continue.

“All of our data shows an increase in transmission,” she said. “Our health care providers and our health care facilities could see some stress in the coming weeks.”

Hospitalizations are expected to peak somewhere between 500 and 800, depending on whether the ascendant BA.2.12.1 variant is better at getting around the immune system than previous versions of omicron.

That’s far below the level seen in January, when they peaked at 1,676, but there could be some strain on the health care system if staff can’t work because they’re infected, said Scott Bookman, the state’s COVID-19 incident commander.

About 60% of people hospitalized with COVID-19 are there primarily for the virus, Herlihy said. The others may be there for something completely unrelated, though in some cases it’s difficult to untangle whether an infection might have worsened someone’s preexisting conditions.

According to the latest data, BA.2 accounts for the majority of cases in Colorado, but its more-contagious cousin BA.2.12.1 is gaining steam and caused about 39% of cases with genetic sequencing as of May 1.

The BA.4 and BA.5 variants, which have taken off in South Africa, account for about 0.8% and 0.4% of cases in Colorado, and it’s not clear if they’ll be able to compete with BA.2.12.1, Herlihy said. So far, none of the emerging variants appear to be more severe than the first version of omicron.

Herlihy encouraged Coloradans to consider taking precautions, especially if they have graduation parties or vacations coming up that they don’t want to miss because of an infection. It’s a good idea to wear masks indoors, practice some social distancing and get tested before and after gathering, especially if you’re going to be near someone at high risk for severe disease, she said.

Ahead of Memorial Day weekend, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged anyone taking public transportation to test for COVID-19 before leaving. Travelers should test no more than three days before they’re scheduled to depart and consider testing again after they return, especially if they’ve been in a crowded space without a mask, according to the guidance. International travelers have to get tested no more than one day before flying.