There are now 8,260,459 coronavirus cases in the U.S. and 220,824 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.

The latest COVID-19 numbers in Colorado (Updated on Oct. 20):

– 86,351 cases, including 16,117 in Denver County

– 1,085,968 people tested

– 2,180 deaths among cases, including 440 in Denver County

– 2.52% fatality rate in the state

– At least 274 active outbreaks

The latest local COVID-19 news:

– Gov. Jared Polis launched a campaign, Step Up Colorado, Tuesday to emphasize the importance of wearing masks and social distancing while facing rising COVID-19 cases.

– The Denver International Airport launched a TSA reservation app to limit crowds and restore traveler confidence amid COVID-19.

– A federal judge rejected an attempt to require Vail Resorts to submit for court review the company’s future communications to season pass holders affected by COVID-19.

– The market for new vehicles in Colorado shrunk by over 16% in the first nine months of 2020 compared to last year as a result of COVID-19.

– Seven months into the pandemic, religious organizations have clashed over government-ordered restrictions on large gatherings that they claim violate constitutional rights and discriminate against them.

– Arapahoe and Adams counties instituted new health orders that limit gatherings, move up last-call and encourage remote work to prevent COVID-19.

– Gov. Jared Polis announced the state’s plan for distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine, a plan required by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but public vaccines likely months away.

– With cases of COVID-19 soaring in the past month, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock announced stricter mask-wearing and group gathering rules on Friday with hopes of stemming the spread.

– Coloradans have ‘moral requirement‘ to be tested for coronavirus if symptomatic, health official says.

– 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.