There are now 7,970,269 coronavirus cases in the U.S. and 217,696 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.

The latest COVID-19 numbers in Colorado (Updated on Oct. 15):

– 80,753 cases, including 15,222 in Denver County

– 1,037,975 people tested

– 2,160 deaths among cases, including 439 in Denver County

– 2.67% fatality rate in the state

– At least 274 active outbreaks

The latest local COVID-19 news:

– Cory Gardner and John Hickenlooper discussed transportation, education and COVID-19 relief at Denver Metro Chamber forum. 

– Unemployment claims and pandemic unemployment claims increased at unexpected levels last week, spelling trouble for economic recovery efforts.

– With a sharp uptick in coronavirus cases across Denver, new public health orders are on their way, a spokeswoman from the Department of Public Health and Environment confirmed Wednesday.

– Bloomberg Philanthropies picked Denver as one of 30 cities to participate in a program designed to help COVID-19 recovery and ensure budget crises don’t disproportionately impact vulnerable populations and communities of color.

– The state asked for feedback on ski area COVID-19 guidance, requiring ski areas and resorts to develop protocols for crowd management and safe housing for employees.

– Students at the University of Colorado Boulder are angry and disappointed with the university’s COVID-19 response since the community’s record-breaking outbreak began in September.

– Gov. Jared Polis Tuesday announced a new grant program and an Oct. 19 workshop designed to help restaurant owners figure out how to keep going in the cold winter ahead, despite an alarming rise of COVID-19 in Colorado.

– Colorado reported nearly 1,050 new positive coronavirus cases Monday — the most since March. Deaths from the virus have topped 2,000 in the state.

– Colorado Parks and Wildlife released a list of recommendations for hunters this season to adhere to COVID-19 safety regulations.

– Colorado and Denver health officials are emphasizing vaccinations and preparedness ahead of a flu season that could exacerbate the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the stressed health care system fighting it.

– Denver’s coronavirus cases have risen at a “concerning rate” over the last month, and its average daily case rate is as high as it was in May, Mayor Michael Hancock said in a press conference Monday morning.

– Gov. Jared Polis extended the statewide mask order another 30 days, until around Nov. 10., following a drastic increase in Colorado’s cases of COVID-19.

– Healthcare workers in Colorado and elsewhere are warning about increased levels of stress, anxiety and burnout due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

– Gov. Jared Polis’ team of medical experts has outlined a preliminary plan to distribute a coronavirus vaccine to Colorado residents when it becomes available.

– In the past week, Colorado had the highest seven-day average of new confirmed coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic in what appears to be a third wave of the virus.