New Health Order For Events In Arapahoe County: What To Know

ARAPAHOE COUNTY, CO — A new public health order requires vaccines for all public, indoor unseated events of 500 people or more in some Colorado counties, including Arapahoe County.

The order takes effect Friday, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced.

“The strained hospital system is evidence we all need to do our part to help slow the spread of the virus within our community,” said Nancy Jackson, chair of the Arapahoe County Board of Commissioners.

Around 95 percent of ICU beds in our state are now full, and hospital bed capacity has hit an all-time low, public health officials said.

“Over the past 21 months, we’ve learned how good hygiene practices, the use of face coverings, testing, social distancing and vaccines can help keep our residents healthy," Jackson said.

"We really need everyone to keep it up and remain vigilant to provide our health care system some relief - especially as we head into the winter season.”

The public health order was also issued in Denver, Adams, Boulder, Broomfield and Jefferson counties.

Don't miss the latest news updates in Littleton: Free Littleton Patch Newsletters and Email Alerts | Facebook | Twitter

The order also recommends that counties adopt vaccine requirements for employees in high-risk settings.

"I am grateful for the counties that are coordinating with the state to slow the spread of the virus," said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

"Large venues and local governments are part of the solution to ending the pandemic. We also need all Coloradans to do their part by getting vaccinated if they haven't already; getting a booster; and following basic public health precautions like masking, staying home when sick, and handwashing."

The state also amended a public health order to restate that Coloradans ages 18 and older can get a booster if it has been six months since they received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two months since they received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

>> More information about how to get vaccinated in Colorado can be found here.