CORONAVIRUS

Utah reports 173 COVID cases, 5 additional deaths

Mar 17, 2022, 1:22 PM

FILE: A lab technician works on smears for PCR tests for COVID-19 on Feb. 22, 2021. (Photo by Morri...

FILE: A lab technician works on smears for PCR tests for COVID-19 on Feb. 22, 2021. (Photo by Morris MacMatzen/Getty Images)

(Photo by Morris MacMatzen/Getty Images)

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Department of Health on Thursday said five more Utahns have lost their lives due to COVID-19 while 173 residents have tested positive for the virus since yesterday.

UDOH said one of the deaths reported Thursday occurred before Feb. 17, and two previously reported deaths have been retracted after further examination by the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner.

Of those 173 cases, 19 (10.98%) were in school-aged children:

  • 7 cases in children ages 5-10
  • 6 cases in children ages 11-13
  • 6 cases in children ages 14-17

Currently, 156 Utahns are in the hospital with confirmed cases of COVID-19 — a drop from Tuesday’s count of 172 and the state’s lowest count since June 20 (150).

Hospitalizations

Of the 156 people currently hospitalized with confirmed cases of COVID-19, 29 of those people are in intensive care units — a drop of five from Wednesday’s count.

Utah’s ICUs were 72.7% full Thursday and the ICU beds in Utah’s 16 referral centers, where the majority of COVID-19 patients are treated, were 74.8% full — below the state’s utilization warning mark of 77%.

(UDOH)

Just five percent of Utah’s ICU usage is due to COVID-19 patients.

“At about 69% overall ICU utilization, ICUs in Utah’s major hospitals with the ability to provide best care for COVID-19 patients begin to reach staffing capacity,” UDOH officials said. “Seventy-two percent use among all hospitals and 77% in referral center hospitals creates major strains on the health care system. When 85% capacity is reached, Utah will be functionally out of staffed ICU beds, indicating an overwhelmed hospital system.”

Vaccinations

As of Thursday, 4,982,947 vaccine doses have been given in Utah — an increase of 1,795 since yesterday.

Over 1.99 million Utahns are now fully vaccinated, over 2.24 million have received at least one dose of a vaccine and over 886,000 have received a booster dose.

Over 6.14 million vaccine doses have been delivered to the Beehive State.

(UDOH) (UDOH) (UDOH) (UDOH)

Data includes the total number of people who have received a booster dose, a breakdown by age (over 65 and under 65), and data on the type of booster dose people have received.

Children ages 5-11 are eligible to receive a smaller dose of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, which has been fully approved by the FDA and CDC, and appointments are available across the stateModerna’s vaccine has also received full U.S. approval.

All Utahns age 18 and older, who received their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine more than five months ago, or a Johnson & Johnson vaccine more than two months ago, are also eligible for a booster shot.

Three studies released by the CDC offer more evidence that COVID-19 vaccines are standing up to the omicron variant, at least among people who received booster shots.

Booster shots needed against omicron, CDC studies show

Teens ages 12 to 17 are also eligible for a Pfizer booster dose.

The FDA and CDC have approved booster doses for Americans and urged those age 50 and older to seek one.

Vaccinated and booster vs. unvaccinated risk ratios

In the last 28 days, people who are unvaccinated are at 20.3 times greater risk of dying from COVID-19, 5.2 times greater risk of being hospitalized due to COVID-19, and 2 times greater risk of testing positive for COVID-19 than boosted people.

In the last 28 days, people who are unvaccinated are at 5 times greater risk of dying from COVID-19, 2.1 times greater risk of being hospitalized due to COVID-19, and 1.9 times greater risk of testing positive for COVID-19 than vaccinated people.

(UDOH)

Testing

UDOH reports 4,977,719 people have been tested — 2,137 more since yesterday. Of those, 926,332 Utahns have tested positive for COVID-19 — an increase of 183 new cases.

The rolling seven-day average for positive tests was 156 — down from 169 on Monday and 282 the Monday before.

(UDOH)

The rolling seven-day average for percent positivity of “people over people” dropped to 5.5% while the rolling seven-day average for percent positivity of “tests over tests” dropped to 3.4%.

Deaths

The virus has killed 4,556 of the state’s residents. UDOH said one of the following deaths, which were reported Wednesday, occurred before Feb. 17:

  • Male, between 65-84, Weber County resident, long-term care facility resident
  • Female, older than 85, Utah County resident, not hospitalized at time of death
  • Male, between 65-84, Salt Lake County resident, hospitalized at time of death
  • Male, between 45-64, Salt Lake County resident, hospitalized at time of death
  • Female, older than 85, Davis County resident, unknown if hospitalized or long-term care facility resident at time of death

UDOH said two deaths have been retracted following further study from the state’s medical examiner:

  • March 8: Male, between 65-84, Utah County resident, long-term care facility resident
  • March 16: Male, between 65-84, Utah County resident, long-term care facility resident

Nationwide Numbers


Coronavirus Resources

Have you or a family member been affected by coronavirus issues in Utah? KSL wants to hear from you. Contact KSL by emailing social@ksl.com.

Click here to sign up for a vaccine and here to see how Utah’s vaccine rollout is progressing.

The latest COVID-19 stories from KSL can be found here.

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 five 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.

People, including children older than 2, should wear a mask in indoor public places if they are:

  • Not fully vaccinated
  • Fully vaccinated and in an area with substantial or high transmission
  • Fully vaccinated and with weakened immune systems
  • In general, you do not need to wear a mask in outdoor settings.

Updated isolation guidelines can be found here.

KSL 5 TV Live

Coronavirus

FILE: Former Utah Jazz John Stockton reacts during a 76-70 Wichita State win over the Gonzaga Bulld...

Michael Houck

Former Utah Jazz star John Stockton sues Washington medical director about COVID misinformation policy

Former Utah Jazz superstar John Stockton has filed a federal lawsuit against Washington officials on First Amendment violations, arguing the state's policy of COVID-19 misinformation is unconstitutional.

16 days ago

Deer Creek Reservoir...

Alex Cabrero

State parks expecting another record visitation year, hiring more workers

It didn't matter how cold or snowy it was at Deer Creek State Park Friday afternoon. Nothing was going to stop Leonard Sawyer from taking his boat out to do a little fishing.

1 month ago

FILE —  Respiratory virus illness activity continues to increase across the US.
(Joe Burbank/Orl...

Emma Benson

‘Not viruses to mess around with’: Experts urge caution during ongoing ‘tripledemic’

Experts say though not as severe as last year, this winter we're seeing another "tripledemic" – rising cases of COVID-19, flu and RSV in Utah.

3 months ago

FILE - COVID-19 antigen home tests. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison, File)Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS...

Emma Benson

‘The ICUs are full:’ Keep yourself and others healthy this holiday

It's time for holiday gatherings, but with more people around us comes a greater risk of getting sick.

3 months ago

Julianna Preece goes through the mountain of medical documents she's acquired for her health condit...

Lauren Steinbrecher

Herriman couple is suing CVS, says 5x Covid vaccine dose mistake caused health problems

A couple is suing a Utah CVS vaccination clinic, saying a nurse’s mistake led to the wife receiving five times the normal COVID-19 vaccine dose and caused serious health issues she’s still dealing with today.

4 months ago

FILE - COVID-19 antigen home tests. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison, File)Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS...

Associated Press

More free COVID-19 tests from the government are available for home delivery through the mail

Americans can order more free COVID-19 tests online for home delivery.

4 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Utah reports 173 COVID cases, 5 additional deaths