Gov. Cox pleads with Utahns to get vaccinated, boosted against COVID-19

SALT LAKE CITY — Gov. Spencer Cox issued an urgent plea Thursday morning, calling on all Utahns to get vaccinated or boosted against COVID-19 amid a surge in cases.

He shared a video message to social media after the state recorded its highest single-day case counts since the pandemic began.

“Recent COVID-19 case counts and deaths are a sobering reminder of just how contagious this Omicron variant is. Like every other state, we expect record case numbers for the next few weeks,” the Governor stated in the post and the video.

Recent COVID-19 case counts and deaths are a sobering reminder of just how contagious this Omicron variant is. Like every other state, we expect record case numbers for the next few weeks.

We have the tools to beat this, but they only work if people use them. pic.twitter.com/juzRA53cuh

— Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox (@GovCox) January 6, 2022

The Governor went on to say in his prerecorded message: “The good news is, we have the tools to beat this, but they only work if we use them. If, for whatever reason, you have been putting off getting vaccinated or boosted, now is the time. Vaccinations and boosters have been shown to reduce hospitalizations and deaths. They are the most important thing you can do to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community.”

He then encouraged residents to visit their doctor or local pharmacy, or the state’s coronavirus website, to find a COVID-19 vaccine location nearest them.

Gov. Cox also urged people to get tested and stay home if they feel sick, as well as mask up when they’re indoors.

“To our healthcare workers, we are forever grateful to your hard work and sacrifices over the last two years. We know our hospitals are likely to be full once again over the next few weeks. Utahns, let’s do everything we can to ease their burdens. I am more optimistic than ever that this wave will bring an end to the pandemic as we know it. Please be kind and patient as we work to get through this together,” his message concluded.

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Coronavirus Resources

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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).