FILE PHOTO (Photo by Octavio Jones/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY– The Utah Department of Health (UDOH) reported 1,411 new cases of coronavirus Friday, setting another record for most cases reported in a single day. They also reported the highest test count to date, with a total of 10,242 people tested.
“For the first time, we’ve hit more than 10,000 tests reported in a 24-hour period,” UDOH officials said.
The department emphasized the importance of getting tested for COVID-19, especially as Utah continues to break the record for positive coronavirus cases.
“Testing is a critical component of our response and helps us understand the spread of the virus in our communities,” the health department said. “With more than 70 testing locations operating across the state, anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 can and should get tested.”
On Thursday, Utah reported 1,198 new cases — which until Friday was the highest case count.
The 7-day rolling average of positive tests has risen to 960 per day, but the infection rate fell .2% — landing at 14%. Currently, 184 people are hospitalized with COVID-19.
UDOH announced four additional deaths Friday as well. Three of the deaths were between the ages of 65-84, while one was over the age of 85. Two were hospitalized at the time of death and two were residents of a long-term care facility.