Bear River Health Dept. Encouraging People To Continue Steps To Slow Coronavirus Spread

BRIGHAM CITY, Utah – Before May, the Bear River Health District saw only single-digit increases of known COVID-19 cases each day.

But by the end of last month, those numbers shot up sharply to between 20 and 40 — or more — new cases daily. Cache Valley accounts for the majority of new cases in the Bear River Health District.

In the quest for a new normal, there are things that by human nature, people will do more of. Bear River Health Department spokesman Joshua Greer said it’s what people are doing less of that’s becoming a concern.

Fewer people were wearing masks, and there was less social distancing. Like most of Utah, he said it’s likely relaxed precautions were leading to more cases.

“Along with your hygiene items — washing your hands, covering your cough. They actually do make a world of difference,” Greer said.

As state epidemiologist Dr. Angela Dunn said in her most press briefing Wednesday, there seemed to be no single reason for the spikes in cases.

“Loosening restrictions does not mean that the risk of spread is decreasing,” Dunn said.

Greer added the Bear River Health District has increased testing, and they will continue to do that. He said several businesses were volunteering for mass-testing events, so they can see if they have any workplace hotspots.

“We have been working with some industries, some major employers throughout the valley,” Greer said.

In the meantime, he said to social distance and wear masks when you can’t; wash your hands and disinfect; and of course, don’t go out or into work sick.

“And even if it is just a cough, stay home, and get through that,” he said.

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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.