Denver's public health department said on Wednesday it identified one confirmed case of the Delta variant of COVID-19, which experts say is more contagious and has been labeled a "variant of concern" by the Centers for Disease Control.
The variant has been identified in 17 counties in Colorado, according to a release from the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment. The variant was tagged as one of concern by the CDC because evidence has shown it is more transmittable, can result in more severe symptoms that can lead to hospitalization or deaths, and is less likely to be affected by antibodies generated during a previous infection or vaccination. The variant was first identified in India in December 2020 and has been found at higher rates in Mesa County, in western Colorado.
However, the state said experts are stressing that getting a COVID-19 vaccine can provide significant protection against the disease, including variants. Denver's public health department is urging people 12 years and older to get a vaccination. You can get more information about getting a vaccine at denvergov.org/COVID-19.
Denver last week said the city had reached President Joe Biden's goal of at least 70 percent of eligible adults being vaccinated with at least one dose by July 4. Nearly 450,000 city residents have gotten their first shot as the city and its signature summer events start to open back up.
