Colorado COVID cases pose continued concern

COVID-19 hospitalizations in the state continue to climb, with case counts here outpacing all but two states nationwide.

By the numbers: Colorado stands out as one of only 10 states that saw infections increase during the past two weeks, a New York Times analysis shows.

• This is the third straight week the state ranked among the worst in the nation.
• As of last Friday, more people were hospitalized with COVID-19 than at any point since late December, the Denver Post reports.
• Roughly 400 Coloradans have died from the disease between mid-September and mid-October, with unvaccinated people dying at a higher rate.

Yes, but: As of Monday, the state's weekly positivity rate dropped from 7.45% to 6.86%, per Fox31.

What to watch: At least one county has already taken it upon itself to reinstate a mask mandate, as Gov. Jared Polis continues to resist additional statewide COVID-19 restrictions.

• Larimer County reinstated its indoor mask mandate on Wednesday, and leaders of other local jurisdictions are watching closely.
• Whether more counties follow suit to avoid a "twindemic" with the onset of winter and flu season is yet to be seen.