COVID-19 information

April 3, 2023

This post was updated on April 3rd, 2023 at 09:27 AM

COVID-19 cases and test positivity rates continue to change in our state. Here is the most recent information by county according to the CDC.

If you are sick, or are coughing or sneezing and need to visit a hospital or your doctor’s office, please wear a mask. People may also want to consider wearing a mask in the community, especially if they have a weakened immune system or are over 60 years old.

Number of patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infections in UCHealth’s hospitals

COVID-19 hospitalizations in UCHealth facilities as of 04/03/2023. Source: UCHealth.
COVID-19 hospitalizations in UCHealth facilities as of 04/03/2023. Source: UCHealth.

Check Your Symptoms

Please call the clinic or schedule a Virtual Visit if any of these apply to you:

  • Have been in contact with someone who tested positive for, or had symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 14 days OR
  • New cough, fever or shortness of breath in the last 72 hours OR
  • Two or more of these symptoms that are new in the last 72 hours: Chills, muscle aches, severe headache, sore throat, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of smell or loss of taste.

Use this free tool from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

CDC’s COVID-19 Symptom Checker

Virus mutations

Scientists continue to identify new variants of the virus that causes COVID-19. This is not uncommon as respiratory viruses can change often. Studies have shown that vaccines remain effective against variants.

The best way to protect yourself and others from new versions of COVID-19 is to get vaccinated, continue wearing a mask, social distancing and wash your hands often.

From BQ to XBB: What you need to know about the newest, ‘extremely contagious’ COVID-19 variants. Get your booster now.

These new variants are extremely contagious, “barking at the heels of measles, and that is quite a remarkable level of transmission.”

The BA.5 COVID-19 variant is spreading widely. Here, a woman in a mask sees her doctor. Photo: Getty Images.

Is the BA.5 COVID-19 subvariant super contagious?

To help you understand what is going on with COVID-19 now and what the BA.5 subvariant is, we consulted with Dr. Michelle Barron, UCHealth’s senior medical director of infection prevention and control.

New omicron-specific COVID-19 booster shots are coming this fall. Learn more about who will get them and when they'll be available. Photo: Getty Images.

New omicron-specific COVID-19 boosters are coming this fall. What you need to know.

Get answers to your questions about the newest COVID-19 booster shots and to learn more about who should get them.

Long COVID mental health challenges require specialized treatment

Even as the number of COVID-19 cases declines, many patients are left with long COVID mental health symptoms – often in combination with medical problems.

Cardiologists urge patients who experience chest pain after recovering from COVID 19 to seek medical care. Photo by Getty Images.

Chest pain after COVID-19 among concerning symptoms

COVID-19 can exacerbate underlying heart conditions, but long COVID symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath also affect young, previously healthy people.

Everything you need to know about rapid, at-home COVID-19 tests

At-home COVID-19 tests, also known as rapid antigen tests, are convenient and accessible. But be careful. The test results often are wrong. Learn when and how to use the tests.

Chef smells food as he cooks. How to regain your sense of taste and smell after COVID-19.

How to regain your sense of taste and smell after COVID-19

Powerfully aromatic and flavorful foods like ginger, peppermint and peanut butter can help you get your sense of smell and taste back. So can strongly-scented essential oil.

Breakthrough symptoms of COVID-19 can be milder than original COVID-19 infections. Here a Latino man looks serious.

How will you know if you’ve got a breakthrough infection of COVID-19?

Breakthrough cases of COVID-19 are rare, but on the rise as the highly transmissible delta variant causes a dramatic increase in positive cases of COVID-19.

medications on a table to represent coronavirus drugsA rundown of coronavirus drugs for home and hospital

There’s no proven cure or treatment for COVID-19. Some drugs may help; chloroquine, the antimalarial medication, may or may not.

women taking zinc, which does help with some coronaviruses and could with COVID-19.Coronavirus: To zinc or not to zinc?

Zinc is no coronavirus magic bullet, but it could help. Studies have shown zinc lozenges to be effective in shortening the misery phase of the common cold.

The latest from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The CDC is updating information about COVID-19 on its website.

The latest from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Patients who have general questions can call the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment at CO-Help at 303.389.1967 or 1.877.462.2911 or email [email protected]. Answers are available in English and Spanish (Español), Mandarin and more.