There are now 28,181,128 coronavirus cases in the U.S. and 500,159 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.

The latest COVID-19 numbers in Colorado (Updated on Feb. 22):

– 421,294 cases, including 58,582 in Denver County

– 2,537,701 people tested

– The number of deaths directly caused by COVID is 5,723 while the number of deaths among patients who had COVID at their time of death, including those who died of other causes, is 5,893. That number includes 762 deaths in Denver County 

– 1.40% fatality rate in the state

– At least 829 active outbreaks

The latest local COVID-19 news:

– COVID-19 vaccine inequities among Colorado’s older citizens shortchange racial minorities. 

– Colorado’s wealthiest areas have the highest COVID-19 vaccination rates, outpacing poor areas by about 30%.

– In a letter to the White House COVID-19 chief, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock renews call for vaccine distribution directly to cities. 

– Settlement approved between Weld County sheriff and medically-vulnerable detainees over COVID-19 protocols. 

– A Colorado nonprofit innovates clear face masks for better communication with deaf and hard of hearing people during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

– Report: Nearly 40% of Colorado’s educators may leave the profession this year following a rocky year of teaching during the pandemic. 

– Common Sense Institute updates its grim outlook for Colorado’s working women during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

– Colorado nears its COVID-19 vaccination goal for residents 70 and older; second week of educator inoculations underway. 

– Denver ethics board dismisses complaint against Mayor Michael Hancock over Thanksgiving travel during COVID-19 warning. 

– Colorado courts struggle through delays to trials, cost-cutting related to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

– Winter storm delays COVID-19 vaccine shipments to Colorado and several other states, officials report. 

– Gov. Jared Polis extends Colorado’s disaster declaration for another 30 days over the COVID-19 pandemic. 

– Coloradans flock to clinics across Denver metro to receive the COVID-19 vaccine despite bitter cold. 

– Colorado nears its goal of vaccinating the bulk of 70-and-older residents against COVID-19, Gov. Jared Polis says.

– Denver sees its ‘greatest drop‘ in COVID-19 rates as Mayor Hancock announces enhanced vaccination efforts.