There are now 18,006,061 coronavirus cases in the U.S. and 319,190 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.

The latest COVID-19 numbers in Colorado (Updated on Dec. 21):

– 308,890 cases, including 44,748 in Denver County

– 2,047,198 people tested

– 4,368 deaths among cases, including 646 in Denver County

– 1.41% fatality rate in the state

– At least 1,312 active outbreaks

The latest local COVID-19 news:

– What they are saying: Colorado leaders react to $900 billion national COVID-19 relief deal.

– Members of state eviction task force ask Polis to extend moratorium through ‘at least January.’

– Colorado among the states getting fewer doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine than expected next week. 

– CDPHE modifies requirement for outdoor dining areas, now requiring two completely open sides.

– Denver Mayor Michael Hancock called on to halt homeless sweeps during the pandemic by influential advocacy group.

– Colorado Rep. Ken Buck says he won’t take COVID-19 vaccine but thinks those at risk should. 

– Pandemic causes Colorado’s K-12 school enrollment to fall by more than 22K students, the first decline in over 30 years.

– Colorado’s pandemic unemployment claims have reached their highest since the program’s first week in April. 

– Colorado surpasses 4,000 COVID-related deaths, but there’s a glimmer of hope in the data. 

– Colorado is given an A grade by the new CoPIRG scorecard for COVID-19 testing.

– Ravaged by coronavirus outbreaks, Colorado nursing homes are awaiting the arrival of the vaccine. 

– Citing unsafe working conditions and understaffing amid pandemic, UCHealth workers announce union push. 

– Colorado’s first days of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout have been smooth, health officials say. 

– Report: Denver rent is decreasing during COVID-19 pandemic, but increasing in other Colorado cities. 

– Colorado school districts start announcing plans to return to in-person school in January.