New changes to the COVID-19 dial metrics changed the designation of 50 of 64 counties Feb. 6, including Rio Blanco, which was moved from Level Orange to Level Yellow by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). For local businesses, the change means operating at 50% capacity instead of 25%, and outdoor gatherings can host 175 people, instead of 75.
According to documentation from the CDPHE, Dial 2.0 will help the state “balance disease transmission with economic hardship.” Metrics are now based on a 7-day period instead of a 14-day period, making it easier for counties to move faster on the dial as infection rates increase or decrease.
Counties in Level Yellow must now have between 100 and 300 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people in one week. The rate of positive tests must be no more than 7.5%.
According to data on the county’s website, there have been 38 new cases, with 13 active cases in school districts — 12 in Meeker and one in Rangely. No new hospitalizations have been reported in the last 14 days
Vaccinations
Vaccination clinics are available at this time for healthcare workers with less direct contact with COVID-19 patients (e.g. home health, hospice, pharmacy, dental, etc.) and EMS; firefighters, police, COVID-19 response personnel, correctional workers and funeral services; people age 65 and older; preK-12th grade educators; child care workers; employees who are essential to continuity of state government; those previously eligible but not yet vaccinated.
If you’ve gotten your first shot, you can get your booster after 28 days but not before. It’s not required to get your booster at exactly 28 days.
Clinics today will be in Meeker at the Fairfield Center from 2-4 p.m. and in Rangely at the LDS Church from 3-5:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 15 from 4-6 p.m. at the Fairgrounds and Thursday, Feb. 18 in Rangely from 3-5:30 p.m. at the LDS Church.
