Omicron Found In Wastewater Across Colorado: Health Department

COLORADO — The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said the omicron variant of the coronavirus has been detected in wastewater across the state, indicating "widespread transmission" of the virus.

The CDPHE has added an omicron wastewater data table to its website with information from utility providers who submitted samples for testing.

"Testing wastewater can give health officials early warnings about increases or decreases in COVID-19 cases and help identify variants of concern within specific counties and communities," the CDHPE said in a news release. "It is important to remember that it is not possible to identify individuals who may be ill based on measurements taken from wastewater."

Water suppliers in Boulder, Lakewood, Denver, Aurora, Commerce City, Northern Fort Collins, Laporte, Colorado Springs, Arvada, South Westminster, South Thornton, Leyden, Fort Collins, Broomfield, Longmont, Louisville, Pueblo, Berthoud, Wellington, Estes Park, Lone Tree, and Englewood reported the omicron variant had been found in wastewater as of a Dec. 16 test.

The health department urged Coloradans to get a COVID-19 vaccine, and said any resident who is experiencing symptoms should get a COVID test and self-isolate.

More information is available on the CDHPE website.

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