15 Deaths, 1,107 New COVID-19 Cases Reported In Utah

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Utah Department of Health on Friday reported 15 additional deaths and 1,107 new cases of COVID-19.

The deaths did not occur within a 24-hour period, UDOH notes. Of the 15, nine occurred last week, two occurred earlier in September, two occurred in August and two occurred in July.

For Utah’s complete statistics, visit coronavirus.utah.gov.

“The deaths we report on a daily basis often occur several days, or even weeks, prior to our reporting them publicly. This is due to the time it takes for deaths to be reported by hospitals, long-term care facilities, or funeral homes to the Office of the Medical Examiner (OME), and for the OME to conduct its death investigation,” according to a statement from the health department. “Circumstances of the four deaths from July and August were recently referred to the OME for further investigation. After conducting investigations, the OME yesterday certified each of the four as COVID-related deaths.”

Deaths are a lagging indicator, according to UDOH, and health officials anticipate an increase in hospitalizations following the recent surge in cases.

“… We anticipate increased deaths to follow that surge as well,” according to the statement.

A total of 474 Utahns have died from the virus. The following deaths were reported Friday:

• Female, between 45-64, Utah County resident, long-term care facility resident
• Female, between 45-64, Salt Lake County resident, long-term care facility resident
• Female, between 65-84, Salt Lake County resident, hospitalized
• Male, between 65-84, Tooele County resident, hospitalized
• Male, between 65-84, Utah County resident, hospitalized
• Male, between 65-84, Utah County resident, not hospitalized
• Female, between 65-84, Salt Lake County resident, hospitalized
• Male, older than 85, Sanpete County resident, not hospitalized
• Female, older than 85, Washington County resident, long-term care facility resident
• Male, between 65-84, Davis County resident, hospitalized
• Female, between 25-44, Davis County resident, hospitalized
• Female, between 65-84, Weber County resident, not hospitalized
• Male, between 25-44, Utah County resident, hospitalized
• Female, between 65-84, Salt Lake County resident, hospitalized
• Male, between 45-64, Salt Lake County resident, long-term care facility resident”

“Our office has seen a notable increase in the number of COVID-related death investigations we have conducted in the past several days,” said Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Erik Christensen. “While we would expect this increase given the current surge in case counts it does not make these deaths any less tragic.”

He said there are “harsh reminders” of the seriousness of the disease every day at the Office of the Medical Examiner.

“I see first-hand the devastating impacts it has on those who are left behind,” Christensen said. “Let me be clear: These deaths are preventable. None of the individuals who we determine to have died from COVID-19 would have suffered this fate at the time they did had they not been infected with COVID-19.”

He implored residents to help stop the spread of the virus by wearing masks, maintaining physical distancing when possible, and staying away from others when sick – especially those who are at a higher risk for severe illness.

Tests

A total of 9,365 tests were reported Thursday, and 1,107 of those cases returned positive.

The state has tested a total of 845,583 people so far, with 75,157 of those cases returning positive.

A total of 1,099,333 tests have been reported.

The rolling seven-day average for positive tests is 945 per day, and the rolling seven-day average for percent of positive laboratory tests is 13.7%.

Hospitalizations

There are currently 190 patients hospitalized with the virus, 73 of which are in intensive care units. Another 68 patients are currently hospitalized as COVID-19 persons under investigation. UDOH reports 52.2% of all non-ICU beds and 68.9% of all ICU beds in Utah hospitals are occupied.

The state is considering 56,167 cases as recovered, meaning those patients received a positive diagnosis more than three weeks ago and they have not died.

For additional information on COVID-19 cases in Utah, go to coronavirus.utah.gov. 

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Coronavirus Resources

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What is COVID-19? Here’s What You Need To Know To Stay Healthy: ksltv.com/432037/what-is-covid-19/

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Where in the world has the coronavirus already appeared? See the map: ksltv.com/?p=432035

Your Life Your Health: How can parents prepare their home, children against coronavirus: ksltv.com/?p=432060

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 is not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

The CDC does not recommend wearing a facemask respirator to protect yourself from coronavirus unless a healthcare professional recommends it.