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COVID-19 in Utah: Officials report rising numbers in hospitalizations, 7-day rolling average

UPDATED: NOVEMBER 8, 2020 AT 3:03 PM

BY SIMONE SEIKALY
Digital Content Producer

SALT LAKE CITY — On Sunday, Utah health officials reported a lower daily positive case count with their daily update about how COVID-19 is spreading in the state.

The Utah Department of Health (UDOH) reported an increase of 2,386 people who have tested positive for COVID-19. The number represents a 25.6% daily positive testing rate in Utah.

Sunday’s daily positive case count is the lowest it’s been since November 5, 2020, when the daily positive case count was 2,807. One week ago today, Utah reported 1,800 new positive cases of COVID-19, but for the last several days the state has averaged over 2,000 cases a day.

As of Sunday, 132,621 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Utah since the global pandemic began.

One of the trends that Utah government officials pay close attention to is the rolling 7-day average for positive testing. On Sunday, that average increased to 2,290 positive tests. In August, Utah Gov. Gary Herbert challenged the state to keep the 7-day rolling average below 500 cases per day.

Hospitalizations and other trends

At the time of publication, UDOH reported that 424 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 in Utah. That number represents a new high as well.

Utah health officials also reported that one more Utahn has died of COVID-19. They report that he lived in Tooele County, was between the ages of 45-64, and that he was hospitalized at the time of his death.

While Utah’s death rate remains low compared to the national average, the state’s hospitalization rate continues to go up. Right now, Utah is at 78% occupancy for ICU beds.

Health officials and professionals have been warning that Utah hospitals are implementing crisis care standards due to the rise in hospitalizations and lack of medical resources to treat patients.

How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronavirus is transmitted from 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.