Lead epidemiologist defends quarantines

The state’s lead epidemiologist defended the use of quarantines for Colorado students potentially exposed to the coronavirus, saying during a news briefing Thursday that the tactic helps slow transmission of the virus.

Although Dr. Rachel Herlihy acknowledged the quarantines can be disruptive, she said there needs to be a “balanced” approach to the pandemic.

“Unfortunately, we are also at a place right now where we are seeing increasing transmission among kids,” Herlihy said.

She was asked about the quarantines because 12 school superintendents in the Denver area this week sent a letter to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment advocating for the end of student quarantines for the rest of the spring semester.

Herlihy did not say whether the agency will change its policy in response to the letter, which said the quarantines disrupt in-person learning and increase stress among students.

The letter was sent as K-12 schools are experiencing an increase in COVID19 outbreaks and children ages 11 to 18 are accounting for a growing number of new coronavirus cases in Colorado. As of Wednesday, there were 210 active COVID-19 outbreaks in schools — the highest number since Dec. 2.

Children under 16 are not yet eligible for any of the COVID-19 vaccines on the market. So far an estimated 40% of adult Coloradans are immune to COVID-19 either through vaccination or infection, according to estimates from the state health department.