UPDATE: 202 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Utah Monday, no new deaths

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Department of Health reported 202 more cases of COVID-19 on Monday.

The new cases bring Utah’s total confirmed case number to 9,999.  The total hospitalization number has risen to 789. In Utah, 113 people have died from COVID-19.

The number of Utahns who tested positive for COVID-19 continued to increase over the weekend as well, after seeing the highest single-day increase in positive COVID-19 cases in Utah. 

Sunday marked the fourth day in a row where the number of new confirmed cases of COVID-19 was over 200. Out of the 213,914 tests the state has performed since the outbreak began, 9,797 tests have been positive.

New COVID-19 Cases 

• Thursday (+215)
• Friday (+343)
• Saturday (+269)
• Sunday (+264)

Over the weekend, the positive rate in cases has risen from between 4.2-4.3% where it had been for the past few weeks, up to 4.6%.

Sunday also saw the 113th death Utah has seen due to the virus. The Utah Department of Health identified the case only as a Wasatch County man younger than 65.

Utah’s most southeastern county, San Juan, now has the highest per-capita number of cases, while Salt Lake County led with the highest number of new cases over the weekend. 

Largest single-day increase 

Friday brought Utah its largest single-day increase in positive cases, with 343. State epidemiologist Dr. Angela Dunn says the state’s “low risk” alert status doesn’t mean “no risk.”

“This increase could partially be explained by the lull we experienced in testing over the holiday weekend. It could also be that we are experiencing an actual uptick in cases, including in localized areas that are experiencing outbreaks, such as in the Salt Lake Veteran’s Nursing Home,” Dunn said in a statement on Friday.
 
“It is important for members of the public to remember that low and moderate risk does not mean ‘no risk.’ We all have a responsibility to be proactive and to do the things we know will help limit the spread of this virus: stay home if you’re sick, practice good hand hygiene, maintain social distancing, and when that’s not possible, wear a mask.
 
“As the state has started to loosen restrictions we anticipated seeing new cases. But there are other important measures to consider as well. Namely the proxy transmission rate, which we base on new hospitalizations, and ICU utilization. The statewide transmission rate stands at 1.1 today, and ICU utilization remains well below our threshold level.”

Data: Utah Coronavirus 

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How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronavirus spreads person to person. It is a virus that is similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:

• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
• Don’t touch your face.
• Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet)
• If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities.)
• Get a flu shot.

Local resources

KSL Coronavirus Q&A 

Utah’s Coronavirus Information 

Utah State Board of Education

Utah Hospital Association

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707

National Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization

Cases in the United States

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