UDOH: ‘Preliminary, unofficial’ data shows largest single-day COVID-19 case count
Dec 31, 2021, 3:18 PM
(Photo by David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Department of Health shared some “preliminary, unofficial data” on social media Friday that shows the state has seen “about 4,700” new cases of COVID-19 within the last 24 hours.
“While we no longer report official #COVID-19 data on holidays and weekends, a look at today’s preliminary, unofficial data show about 4,700 new cases,” read the tweet.
While we no longer report official #COVID-19 data on holidays and weekends, a look at today’s preliminary, unofficial data show about 4,700 new cases. 1/5
— Utah Dept. of Health (@UtahDepOfHealth) December 31, 2021
Friday’s “unofficial” report is one of the highest numbers of cases reported in a single day in the state.
“Omicron is here, and it is on the move,” read one of their tweets.
If you haven’t been vaccinated or received your booster dose, it’s critical to do so now. To find a vaccination site visit https://t.co/6bfsY55dZt 3/5
— Utah Dept. of Health (@UtahDepOfHealth) December 31, 2021
They urged all Utahns to get vaccinated or receive their booster dose if they haven’t done so already, adding that “it’s critical to do so now.”
Health officials also said to get tested immediately if you start to show any symptoms.
“If you test positive, stay home and away from others,” read another one of their tweets.
And If you’re attending a gathering this weekend, protect yourself and others by wearing a mask. 5/5
— Utah Dept. of Health (@UtahDepOfHealth) December 31, 2021
They concluded their Twitter thread by encouraging everyone to wear a mask if attending a gathering this holiday weekend.
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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:
- Get vaccinated and a booster dose if it has been more than six months (Pfizer/Moderna) since your second dose or two months (J&J) since your first
- 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.
The CDC recommends Americans should continue wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies).