State Reports 6 New Deaths, 517 New COVID-19 Cases

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The state on Monday reported 517 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and six additional deaths following a holiday weekend that is usually an opportunity for residents to socialize and congregate for fireworks shows and other Fourth of July celebrations.

Utah saw a surge in cases following the Memorial Day weekend in May, when statewide case counts more than doubled in a single day. However, the overall number of confirmed cases was still relatively low at that time, when the number went from 84 the day after Memorial Day to 333 just a couple of days later.

The highest single-day increase of the pandemic so far in Utah was on July 3, when the state reported 675 new confirmed cases of COVID-19.

“In the past seven days there have been 3,805 positive cases reported, an average of 544 per day,” according to a statement from UDOH. “Lab tests performed have increased by 41,937 over the same timeframe, for a 7-day positivity rate of 9.1%”

Overall, the total positives of those tested is now at 6.8%.

There have been a total of 25,469 confirmed cases, 1,605 hospitalizations and 190 deaths in the state so far.

The deaths include:

• Davis County woman between the ages of 45 – 64 who was not hospitalized at the time of death
• Wasatch County man between the ages of 65 – 84 who was hospitalized at the time of death
• Salt Lake County man between the ages of 65 – 84 who was not hospitalized at the time of death
• Salt Lake County man between the ages of 65 – 84 who was a resident of a long-term care facility
• Salt Lake County woman between the ages of 45 – 64 who was a resident of a long-term care facility and also hospitalized at the time of death
• Salt Lake County woman between the ages of 65 – 84 who was not hospitalized at the time of death.

The Utah Department of Health on Monday announced 22 additional hospitalizations as well.

There are currently 192 patients hospitalized for confirmed COVID-19, and 83 of those patients are in ICU beds. There are also 52 patients currently hospitalized as COVID-19 persons under investigation.

UDOH reports that 43.7% of all non-ICU beds and 61,2% of all ICU beds in the state are occupied.

“It’s important for Utahns to recognize that as we start loosening up restrictions, opening up parts of the economy and society, the risk for COVID-19 spread is actually increasing,” said state epidemiologist Dr. Angela Dunn. “So it’s more important than ever to practice good physical distancing, wear a face mask, wash your hands regularly and stay home when you’re ill.”

“It’s up to all of us as individuals to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” she added.

Dr. Angela Dunn, state epidemiologist for the @UtahDepOfHealth reminds us that less restrictions actually mean greater risk. It’s up to all of us to practice healthy behaviors and help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Protect yourself and others
https://t.co/nRq19pRK3o pic.twitter.com/1UxunvUgyc

— Utah COVID-19 Community Task Force (@UtahCoronavirus) July 6, 2020

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.