Four Of Most Recent COVID-19 Deaths From Long-Term Care Facilities
Apr 6, 2020, 4:18 PM
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah state epidemiologist Dr. Angela Dunn announced five more people have died from the novel coronavirus since Sunday. Overall, 13 Utahns have died from COVID-19.
Four of the victims announced Monday died at long term care facilities in Salt Lake and Utah counties. The state is now investigating those deaths.
In all, 23 residents and two staff members tested positive for COVID-19 at the Salt Lake County facility. Another ten residents tested negative. They have been moved to a sister location, according to Dunn.
“They are housed in a separate wing of the facility and are being cared for by the dedicated staff,” she said.
Two additional deaths were reported at a Utah County long term care location. Officials said both individuals were over the age of 65 and likely had underlying health conditions.
“We are working with Utah County to do a full investigation of this outbreak,” Dunn said.
Officials with the Utah County Health Department said those who were potentially exposed have been instructed to quarantine at home.
“Quarantine at home means individuals should not leave home for ANY reason, except when advised by their health care provider to seek medical care in person,” UCHD officials said. “They should not go to work, school, or any public place, including stores, malls, theatres, restaurants, or any other retail establishment. They should not visit family or friends or have any visitors at home.”
Dunn did not release the name of either facility.
The other death announced Monday was a male who died in a Salt Lake County hospital. Dunn said he is an older adult who was under the age of 60 and had an underlying condition.
Coronavirus Resources
- 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.
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.