Another 3K Test Positive For COVID-19; New Record Set For Current Hospitalizations

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Health officials on Wednesday reported another 3,071 Utahns have tested positive for COVID-19.

Unfortunately, nine more residents have died from the virus, which brings the death toll to 740.

There are 541 people with COVID-19 currently being treated in Utah hospitals, which is a new single-day record for the state.

Testing

The Utah Department of Health reported that 1,278,951 Utahns have been tested for COVID-19 so far, which is an increase of 13,351 from yesterday.

Of those, a total of 162,028 have tested positive for the virus. That’s an increase of 3,071 cases from Tuesday.

The rolling seven-day average for positive tests is 3,161 per day, and the rolling seven-day average for percent of positive laboratory tests is 24.1%.

Hospitalizations

Currently, 541 Utahns with COVID-19 are hospitalized, and 201 of those are in intensive care units. Another 23 patients are currently hospitalized as COVID-19 persons under investigation.

Utah’s ICU beds are 84.6% full, and all non-ICU beds are 51.6% full.

The referral center ICU beds are 89.9% occupied, which is above the 85% threshold for quality ICU care.

Referral Centers are the 16 hospitals in Utah with the capability to provide the best care for patients with COVID-19. Because most patients are transferred to these facilities, their utilization is the best reflection of the true hospital capacity in Utah when looking at ICU beds.

Deaths

A total of 740 Utahns have lost their lives as a direct result of COVID-19. UDOH noted that one previously reported death has been removed following further investigation.

On Wednesday, the following nine Utahns’ deaths were reported:

1. Female, between 65-84, Summit County resident, not hospitalized at time of death
2. Female, older than 85, Salt Lake County resident, long-term care facility resident
3. Female, between 45-64, Washington County resident, not hospitalized at time of death
4. Male, older than 85, Salt Lake County resident, hospitalized at time of death
5. Female, between 65-84, Davis County resident, not hospitalized at time of death
6. Male, between 65-84, Weber County resident, not hospitalized at time of death
7. Male, between 65-84, Cache County resident, hospitalized at time of death
8. Male, between 65-84, Salt Lake County resident, hospitalized at time of death
9. Female, between 65-84, Salt Lake County resident, not hospitalized at time of death

Planning For the Holidays

Health care leaders have asked Utahns to be proactive in slowing the spread of COVID-19, especially as the holidays approach. According to the Utah Department of Health, the majority of the spread – more than 56% – is happening from a known contact. The highest count of cases reporting exposures are coming from the household (27.5%), and the second-highest counts are coming from social settings (10.5%), which makes potential holiday gatherings a concern.

Authorities have asked Utahns to celebrate Thanksgiving this year with just those in their immediate households. Infectious disease doctors from University of Utah Health on Wednesday noted that’s one of the safest ways to keep the virus from spreading and thus helping to keep the already stretched-thin hospitals from being overwhelmed.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for those families who insist on gathering with those not in their immediate households, they should take precautions to make the celebration safer:

Wear A Mask

• Wear a mask with two or more layers to stop the spread of COVID-19.
• Wear the mask over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin.
• Make sure the mask fits snugly against the sides of your face.

Stay 6 Feet Away From Those Who Do Not Live With You

• Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread COVID-19 or flu.
• Keeping 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Wash Your Hands

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Keep hand sanitizer with you and use it when you are unable to wash your hands.
• Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Those attending gatherings are urged to bring their own food, drinks, plates, cups and utensils as well as avoid going in and out of areas where food is being prepared.

For those hosting a gathering, the CDC has the following recommendations:

• Have a small outdoor meal with family and friends who live in your community.
• Limit the number of guests.
• Have conversations with guests ahead of time to set expectations for celebrating together.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items between use.
• If celebrating indoors, make sure to open windows.
• Limit the number of people in food preparation areas.
• Have guests bring their own food and drink.
• If sharing food, have one person serve food and use single-use options, like plastic utensils.

For more information on Utah’s statistics, visit coronavirus.utah.gov.