What's going on in Colorado? We've finally reached around 80 percent of the eligible population vaccinated with at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, but according to 9NEWS, we're have the fifth-highest infection rate in the entire country, so, yikes

Get our free mobile app

Kyle Clark tweeted that 81 percent of Coloradans who are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 fall into the smaller percentage of people who aren't vaccinated. For the most part, that means that it is the 20 percent of eligible Coloradans who aren't vaccinated that are resulting in hospitalizations, and to the extent that Colorado hospitals can now turn away patients.

The Washington Post reported that Polis signed an exacutive order over Halloween weekend that authorized the state to 'order' facilities that are at capacity 'to halt admissions and redirect or transfer patients,' for 30 days starting October 31, 2021.

Larimer County's ICU utilization is still at over 100 percent capacity, as a mask mandate went back into effect in October. However, as a Larimer County resident, I wouldn't really say that this is a 'mandate' as much as it is a suggestion at this point, if you know what I mean.

While the state is 80 percent vaccinated, only 66 percent of Larimer County residents have gotten at least one dose. Data from a New York Times report has found that the risk of a breakthrough case when fully vaccinated is roughly 1 in 5,000, and a hospitalization when vaccinated is also rare. So, data would suggest that those filling the ICU have most likely not been vaccinated.

That said, the Denver County Sheriff is also attempting to get inmates who live in close quarters vaccinated — by using ramen noodles and coffee. For real.

The NoCo Virus Tracker articles are made possible by our partners, the Keep NoCo Open campaign that reminds citizens to wear a mask, wash your hands, physically distance and support local as Northern Colorado recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

More From K99