16 Variant COVID Cases Discovered In Colorado, Say Health Officials

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) reported they have discovered 16 variant cases in the state.

The information was revealed during a state-wide update on the COVID-19 pandemic from health officials with the CDPHE on Monday, February 1.

From the 16 variants, the CDPHE said 13 were the B117 variant that was first found in the United Kingdom, and three were the L452R variant discovered in California. However, the L452R variant has not been officially listed by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) yet.

Health officials also gave an update on vaccine distribution in the state.

They reported that 90% of the estimated 167,000 moderate risk first responders and health care workers have been inoculated with the first dose of the vaccine.

100% of employees in skilled nursing homes have received one dose and 71% have received the second dose.

Over the weekend, Colorado held one of the largest mass vaccination clinics in the country. By Monday, the CDPHE said 39% of about 562,000 Coloradans over 70 have received one dose.

The state is aiming to get at least 70% of the population over 70 vaccinated by the end of February.

In addition, 51% of people in phase 1B have received one dose.

Colorado hopes to administer vaccines to group 1B.3 (frontline essential workers and Coloradans ages 16-64 with two or more comorbidities) by early March.

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