New Index Highlights Neighborhoods Where Social Distancing is Hardest to Maintain

For Immediate Release
April 17, 2020

The best strategy to halt the spread of COVID-19 is social distancing, but it's not possible for many Coloradans.

A new interactive map from the Colorado Health Institute pinpoints census tracts where people are likely to have the hardest time staying isolated because of crowded housing, dense neighborhoods, or the nature of their work. 

The Social Distancing Index reveals that:

• The biggest potential obstacles to social distancing are found in neighborhoods around the edges of Denver County and in agricultural areas in northeastern Colorado.
• Inequitable social factors — such as crowded housing and work situations — can hamper the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Policymakers and public health leaders can use the index to target assistance to places where people are likely to need more help protecting themselves and their neighbors.

"Staying at home to help fight the coronavirus pandemic seems like a hardship for a lot of people. But for others, it's a luxury they can't afford. Our new index can help pinpoint where social distancing is hardest to keep up," said Emily Johnson, Director of Policy Analysis at CHI.

Explore the Social Distancing Index here

For more information

Contact Joe Hanel, Director of Communications

720.382.7093 | hanelj@coloradohealthinstitute.org