Two Utah County Deputies Test Positive For COVID-19
Mar 31, 2020, 5:11 PM | Updated: 5:17 pm
SPANISH FORK, Utah – Two deputies with the Utah County Sheriff’s Office have tested positive for COVID-19, officials said.
Officials said Sheriff Mike Smith was notified of the second positive test over the weekend. The first case was confirmed on March 25.
Both deputies were self-quarantining at home and anyone who had interacted with them had been notified by health officials.
Utah County Health Department officials said they do not believe the deputies were at work when symptoms began and the likelihood of the virus spreading from this situation is low.
“Sheriff Smith will continue to communicate closely with officials of the Utah County Health Department,” UCSO officials said in a statement. “Thus far those officials have made recommendations and have approved of plans Sheriff Smith has for responding to this development.”
Davis County Sheriff’s Office Staff Member Tests Positive For COVID-19
Earlier Tuesday, officials with the Davis County Sheriff’s Office said a staff member at the county jail tested positive for the coronavirus.
DCSO officials said the employee does not have direct contact with inmates and was likely exposed to the virus in the community.
Davis County Health Department officials notified those who could have been exposed and a few employees who were at a “moderate risk” were instructed to stay out of the workplace until 14 days from exposure passed.
A few employees were evaluated at a “low risk” and DCSO officials said they will be monitored at least three times a day for symptoms.
“No inmates, volunteers or others were at any risk for exposure and we remain committed to preventing and slowing the spread of COVID-19,” officials said.
Coronavirus Resources
See the latest information from the Utah Coronavirus Task Force here.
- Have you or a family member been affected by coronavirus issues in Utah? KSL TV wants to hear from you. Contact KSL by emailing social@ksl.com.
- What is COVID-19? Here’s What You Need To Know To Stay Healthy
- What We Know And Don’t Know About The Coronavirus
- Four Common Coronavirus Questions Answered
- The latest coronavirus stories from KSL TV can be found at our Staying Safe: Coronavirus section.
- Your Life Your Health: How can parents prepare their home, children against coronavirus?
How Do I Prevent It?
The CDC has some simple recommendations, most of which are the same for preventing other respiratory illnesses or the flu:
- Avoid close contact with people who may be sick
- Avoid touching your face
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
The CDC does not recommend wearing a face mask respirator to protect yourself from coronavirus unless a healthcare professional recommends it.
How To Get Help
If you’re worried you may have COVID-19, you can contact the Utah Coronavirus Information Line at 1-800-456-7707 to speak to trained healthcare professionals. You can also use telehealth services through your healthcare providers.
Additional Resources
If you see evidence of PRICE GOUGING, the Utah Attorney General’s Office wants you to report it. Common items in question include toilet paper, water, hand sanitizer, certain household cleaners, and even cold medicine and baby formula. Authorities are asking anyone who sees price gouging to report it to the Utah Division of Consumer Protection at 801-530-6601 or 800-721-7233. The division can also be reached by email at consumerprotection@utah.gov.