As the growth rate in positive COVID-19 cases in eastern Colorado counties located in the High Plains Public Radio listening area remains relatively flat, a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases two eastern Colorado counties are being traced primarily to two correctional facilities.
According to the Northeast Colorado Health Department, as of Monday, there were 465 COVID-19 cases in Logan County, primarily linked to an outbreak at the Sterling Correctional Facility in Sterling.
According to the NCHD, however, that county is also experiencing community spread of coronavirus.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)reported 432 positive cases in Logan County as of Monday.
The Crowley County Correctional Facility in Olney Springs is on lockdown, as 35 positive COVID-19 cases were identified on Friday.
According to a press release, all 35 were inmates of the facility who, as of Friday, had been in isolation for days.
A preliminary investigation by health officials suggests the majority of positive inmates were not showing any signs or symptoms of the disease. As of Friday, the spread had been contained to one pod of the facility.
According to the CDPHE, there were 39 confirmed cases in Crowley County as of Monday.
Meanwhile, the number of cases in Morgan County continue to rise, from 399 on May 3 to 517 on Monday.
According to the CDPHE, Prowers County reported nine cases on Monday, up eight since May 3, as the growth rate in other parts of eastern Colorado has remained relatively flat since that date, as follows: Kit Carson, four new cases; Yuma, two new cases; Phillips County four new cases; Washington County, one new case; and Las Animas, one new case.
Bent County reported its first case Monday.
Baca, Otero and Lincoln Counties reported no new cases Monday, remaining at 12, 10 and three, respectively.