A rash of COVID-19 outbreaks have swept through a number of Durango restaurants, according to state data.

Outbreaks, according to state guidelines, are defined by two or more cases, spread among employees at a workplace in a 14-day period. The state updates its list of active outbreaks every Wednesday.

There are 26 active outbreaks in La Plata County. Of those, nine are at local restaurants.

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, new active outbreaks added in Wednesday’s update include:

Altitude Landscaping, where an outbreak was confirmed Dec. 3 after two staff members tested positive and two other people are suspected of having the virus, but have not yet tested positive.East by Southwest, where an outbreak was confirmed Nov. 25 after three staff members tested positive.El Moro Spirits and Tavern, where an outbreak was confirmed Dec. 3 after seven staff members tested positive.Enterprise Rental, where an outbreak was confirmed Dec. 3 after two staff members tested positive.Nayarit Restaurant’s location at 2525 Main Ave., where an outbreak was confirmed Dec. 3 after seven staff members tested positive.Nayarit Restaurant’s location at 1135 Camino del Rio, where an outbreak was confirmed Dec. 3 after two staff members tested positive.Pop Sushi, where an outbreak was confirmed Nov. 17 after four staff members tested positive.Rey-Lynn’s Barber Lounge and Hair Studio, where CDPHE said an outbreak was confirmed Dec. 3 after three staff members tested positive. It appears, however, the outbreak was reported late by the state. The owner of the shop said cases started mid-November, the shop temporarily closed, and was given the clearance to reopen Dec. 1. San Juan Basin Public Health confirmed the outbreak was reported late by the state.Tomsic Physical Therapy, where an outbreak was confirmed Dec. 2 after three staff members tested positive.Zia Taqueria’s location at 400 South Camino del Rio, where an outbreak was confirmed Nov. 23 after seven staff members tested positive.Of note, Hilltop House, which reported an outbreak last week, saw a mild rise in cases, which is now at 21 residents and six staff members testing positive.

Previously reported, but still active outbreaks include:

Applebee’s Grill & Bar, City Market north, Durango 911 Communications Center, Durango Fire Protection District, Durango Transit Center, Durango VFW 4031, Four Corners Health Care Center, 11th Street Station, Evening’s Porch Assisted Living, Needham Elementary School, Rivergate Pharmacy, Ska Fabricating, Steamworks Brewing Co., Strater Hotel and Home Depot.

jromeo@durangoherald.com