Utah Reports 50th Death, Second-Highest Number Of New Coronavirus Cases
May 3, 2020, 12:30 PM | Updated: 12:58 pm
(Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Beehive State has now reported 50 deaths from adverse effects of COVID-19, after a woman from Salt Lake County succumbed to the virus.
Officials with the Utah Department of Health said the woman was between the ages of 45 and 64, and had a history of underlying conditions that contributed to her death.
The woman, whose identity was not released, had been hospitalized.
Health department officials released information on the woman’s death Sunday around noon.
There were an additional 194 positive coronavirus tests since Saturday. It was the second-highest number of positive cases the state has reported, and most since 203 new cases were reported on April 2.
It was also the first time there have been over 190 new cases reported two days in a row. There have been 384 new cases reported over the weekend.
The addition brought the total number of positive coronavirus cases to 5,175.
Utah’s overall trend in new cases has continued to rise, even as Governor Gary Herbert changed the level of risk in the state from “High” to “Moderate” on Friday, May 1. Health experts have strongly urged people to wear face masks and continue the practice of social distancing to slow the spread of the virus.
Over 122,000 people have been tested for coronavirus in the state – an increase of 4,298 tests.
An additional 18 people have been hospitalized due to severe COVID-19 symptoms, bringing the total number to 436.
Officials said 2,283 people confirmed to have contracted coronavirus were considered “recovered.” They said that includes everyone who had been diagnosed more than three weeks prior, but has not passed away.
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.