ALL NEWS

Doctor: Utah’s COVID-19 infection rate is a concern, hospitalizations stabilize

Sep 17, 2020, 11:15 AM

Utah's infection rate...

Infectious disease physician, Dr. Stenehjem on a Facebook Live

SALT LAKE CITY–An infectious disease physician at Intermountain Healthcare says people should be worried about Utah’s COVID-19 infection rate even though death and hospitalization rates continue to decline. 

During a Facebook Live on Thursday, Dr. Eddie Stenehjem addressed the potential harms of not following health guidelines to combat the coronavirus. 

“We’re not doing great,” Dr. Stenehjem said in response to the most current COVID-19 data. “We are definitively trending up.  We are now reaching total daily case counts that are rivaling our peak we had in July.” 

 

Utah’s infection rate spike  

Dr. Stenehjem says the uptick in cases is primarily among people between the ages of 14-24. A lot of those cases are coming from Utah County, says Stenehjem, which has twice the rate of infection compared to Salt Lake County. 

While the majority of the cases in Utah County are isolated within a younger population, the 18% positive case rate is a cause for concern, according to Stenehjem. 

 “It [infection rate] shows increase community transmissions is most likely,” said Stenehjem, because Utah hasn’t seen a significant decrease in COVID-19 testing.  

It’s no secret teens and young adults are less likely to fall critically ill from the virus. However, older populations are. 

The biggest concern to Stenehjem is the transmission of COVID-19 from the younger demographic to parents and grandparents. 

“We’re starting to get the sense that this [community transmission] is already happening with the increase in cases,” said Stenehjem.

Additionally, Stenehjem noted another reason why COVID-19 is spreading in Utah County. “Less than 50% of the people I encountered weren’t wearing masks,” Stenehjem said. And because of that, Stenehjem says “it’s [coronavirus] going to spread more and more throughout the community.” 

COVID-19 hospitalizations stabilize 

Despite the jump in cases, COVID-19 hospitalizations have been on a downward trend.

“Hospitalizations are relatively stable,” said Stenehjem. “We are essentially flat, now.” But Stenehjem worries all of that could change if Utah’s infection rate continues to climb.  

Stenehjem attributes schools reopening for the coronavirus increase. He specifically points to college campuses and high schools in Utah. Riverton High School closed Thursday due to more than a dozen coronavirus cases. Corner Canyon High School in Draper moved to a split schedule to reduce the spread after similar numbers.

No college in Utah has closed because of the virus, but Stenehjem notes the problem on campus won’t get better if it’s not addressed. 

“We really have to think hard about what we are going to do on these college campuses to downward the trend,” explained Stenehjem. 

If the problem isn’t addressed, Stenehjem predicts a spike in hospital admittance. “The hospitalizations increase will probably come 2-3 weeks from now,” said Stenehjem. “We will probably start to see an uptick of infection among older groups.” 

Sick kids and the flu 

His biggest piece of advice to parents and young adults is staying home when someone shows flu or coronavirus symptoms. 

“Kids with a cough or sniffle cannot go to school and need to get tested,” Stenehjem emphasized. He says respiratory infections are only going to increase as we head into the fall and winter seasons. 

Even if you think you have the flu, you have to get tested for COVID-19, Stenehjem advised. According to Stenehjem, the illnesses both carry similar symptoms and are impossible to distinguish without a test. 

“We cannot have our hospitals full of people with severe influenza,” said Stenehjem. He says hospitals need all the resources and space for COVID-19 patients. 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

All News

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of t...

Simone Seikaly

Extending state flooding emergency, firearm restrictions, among topics for Utah special session

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of the legislature.

11 months ago

A video recorded by Facebook user Larry Jacquez shows the police response following the shooting in...

Jamiel Lynch, CNN     

At least 3 people killed and 2 officers wounded in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police say

Multiple people were shot and at least three killed in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police said in a Facebook post.

11 months ago

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible...

Waverly Golden

Younger adults are becoming more susceptible to strokes

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible to stroke.

11 months ago

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now....

Allessandra Harris

Camping over Memorial Day Weekend? Plan ahead

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now.

11 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

11 months ago

Melissa Coleman crouches next to her husband, , Brad Coleman, of North Ogden, who sits in a wheelch...

Jenny Carpenter, KSL.com

Young stroke victim survives with quick, lifesaving treatment in northern Utah

After a 36-year-old man had a stroke, he and his wife say to be aware of the signs of stroke and that young people are also at risk.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Doctor: Utah’s COVID-19 infection rate is a concern, hospitalizations stabilize