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Utah sets new daily record for increase in COVID-19 cases

Jul 8, 2020, 1:10 PM | Updated: 1:36 pm

27 Republican states filled federal lawsuits against President Biden's vaccine mandate on private companies. (Photo credit: Getty Images)

(Photo credit: Getty Images)

BY BECKY BRUCE

News Director

SALT LAKE CITY — On Wednesday, state health officials recorded 722 new cases of COVID-19 in Utah since the day before, setting a new daily record for case increases.

The state also reported seven new deaths related to COVID-19, bringing Utah to a total of 201 deaths blamed on coronavirus.

A record COVID-19 case count, and more data

Previously, the record for a one-day increase in COVID-19 cases in Utah was 676.

Of the deaths reported Wednesday, only one patient was not either hospitalized or in a long-term care facility: a Utah County man between the ages of 45 and 64. The other patients ranged in ages from 45 to over 85. Two of the remaining patients who died were Utah County residents, two were from Salt Lake County, one was from San Juan County, and one was from Washington County.

In a statement, Utah Department of Health epidemiologist Dr. Angela Dunn said all Utahns need to do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19.

“Today’s positive case counts represent another daily record, and further reinforce the need for Utah residents to be taking the appropriate precautions to protect themselves and those around them,” Dunn said.

Please, wear a mask in public, practice physical distancing, stay home if you are sick, and wash your hands regularly. We are all part of the solution.”

The numbers

According to the Utah Department of Health, the data shows 26,755 positive cases of COVID-19 in Utah since the pandemic began. Of those, the state considers more than 15,000 “recovered.”

Positive test results

26,755 positive cases, an increase of 722 cases from yesterday, and a daily rate increase of 2.8% from yesterday.

Lab tests performed

385,760 total tests, an increase of 2,911 tests from yesterday. The state’s rate of positive results is at 7% of the total tested.

Hospitalizations

1,678 hospitalized cases, an increase of 25 since yesterday. Currently, 199 people who’ve tested positive for COVID-19 are hospitalized.

Deaths

201 people have died, including the seven deaths reported today. The deaths reported today include:

Male, between 45-64, Utah County resident, not hospitalized at time of death
Male, between 45-64, Utah County resident, hospitalized at time of death
Female, between 65-84, Utah County resident, hospitalized at time of death
Male, between 65-84, Washington County resident, long term care facility resident
Female, older than 85, Salt Lake County, long term care facility resident
Male, between 65-84, Salt Lake County resident, long term care facility resident
Male, between 45-64, San Juan County resident, hospitalized at time of death

Recovered

Utah health officials consider 15,178 of the state’s COVID-19 cases”recovered,” meaning the date of diagnosis was more than three weeks ago and the patient did not die.

How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronavirus spreads person to person, 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.