There are now 28,321,796 coronavirus cases in the U.S. and 504,738 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.

The latest COVID-19 numbers in Colorado (Updated on Feb. 24):

– 423,558 cases, including 58,937 in Denver County

– 2,550,473 people tested

– The number of deaths directly caused by COVID is 5,837 while the number of deaths among patients who had COVID at their time of death, including those who died of other causes, is 5,917. That number includes 762 deaths in Denver County 

– 1.40% fatality rate in the state

– At least 741 active outbreaks

The latest local COVID-19 news:

– Drug company executives pledge massive supply increase for the COVID-19 vaccine in the coming weeks. 

– Denver Public Schools ‘on track‘ to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine to all educators who want it by the end of March. 

– The number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 climbs as officials catch up with death certificates. 

– Tri-County Health Department adds phone operators to help elderly people without internet access to register for the COVID-19 vaccine. 

– Colorado’s teacher COVID-19 vaccination process is ‘messy‘ but shots are getting into arms, officials say. 

– Denver City Council unanimously approves additional COVID-19 relief grants and housing efforts.

– 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.