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Utah’s COVID-19 7-day average infection rate drops below 10%

UPDATED: MARCH 5, 2021 AT 1:46 PM

As Utah crosses the one-year anniversary of fighting against the coronavirus pandemic, local doctors and health officials are reflecting on what they’ve learned. (PHOTO: Primary Children's Hospital)

BY CAMI MONDEAUX
KSLNewsRadio

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Department of Health reported 549 new COVID-19 cases Friday, bringing the state’s 7-day average for percent positive tests, a key metric for the infection rate, under 10% for the first time in months.

Health officials reported a rolling 7-day average percent positivity of 9.8% for “people over people,” and 4.6% for “tests over tests.” A 9.8% infection rate marks the first time in months it’s been that low.

An additional 31,000 Utahns have been vaccinated, totaling more than 816,000 inoculations.

Utah reported five new deaths Friday, with one occurring before Feb. 12. Details on those deaths include:

Male, between 65-84, Salt Lake County resident, hospitalized at time of death
Male, between 65-84, Cache County resident, long-term care facility resident
Female, between 65-84, Utah County resident, long-term care facility resident
Female, between 65-84, Cache County resident, long-term care facility resident
Female, between 65-84, Weber County resident, long-term care facility resident

There are 203 people currently hospitalized with COVID-19, with 85 of those in intensive care units, according to state data. Roughly 72% of Utah’s ICU beds are filled with coronavirus patients.

Utah’s COVID-19 case numbers have continued to trend downward as more vaccinations become available. As of Monday, the state is offering three vaccines: Pfizer, Moderna and the newly-approved Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

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.
Wear a mask to protect yourself and others per CDC recommendations.
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).
Obtain a flu shot.