Health Officials Announce 5th Death Related To COVID-19 In Utah
Mar 31, 2020, 12:33 PM | Updated: 12:46 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Weber-Morgan Health Department on Tuesday announced the first death related to COVID-19 in its district.
The patient died Sunday, health officials said.
The woman was a resident of Weber County and was between the ages of 18 – 60. The individual was a resident in a long-term care facility and had underlying medical conditions that put her at high risk for complications from COVID-19, according to a statement from WMHD.
Authorities said the patient had been reported to public health as a positive case through COVID-19 testing conducted last week. She was previously receiving hospice services.
“We want the family and the staff and residents at the care facility to know our heartfelt condolences,” WMHD Executive Director Brian Bennion said. “We appreciate the prompt actions of the care facility to recognize and prevent further spread of the COVID-19 virus. They immediately implemented prevention measures to protect the other residents and their staff.”
According to the health department statement, the facility identified all those who had close contact with the patient, including residents and staff. Those at risk for exposure have been notified to begin self-monitoring.
Members of the Healthcare Associated Infection Team from the Utah Department of Health were brought in to assist with the investigation, according to the statement.
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.
The CDC does not recommend wearing a face mask respirator to protect yourself from coronavirus unless a healthcare professional recommends it.
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 service 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.