HEALTH

One more Utahn between 15 and 24 has died of COVID-19

UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 AT 1:27 PM

File Photo: A long line line of cars waiting for COVID-19 testing in the parking lot across the street from the UDOH main offices. Photo credit: Paul Nelson, August 30, 2021

BY BECKY BRUCE
News Director

CEDAR CITY, Utah — Another Utahn between the ages of 15 and 24 is among those who’ve died of COVID-19, according to the latest numbers from the Utah Department of Health.

Of the more than 2,600 Utahns who have died because of COVID-19, this victim is the 12th in that age range. For privacy reasons, health officials don’t disclose more specific demographic information about those who die, but we know this victim, a female, lived in Iron County. She was in the hospital when she died.

COVID-19 in Utah, by the numbers

The Utah Department of Health reported 1,539 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, for a total of 475,625 since the pandemic began.

Utah health officials said of the 1,539 new cases, 362 occurred among school-age children. Broken down, there were 138 new cases among children ages 5 – 10, 99 new cases among children ages 11 – 13, and 125 new cases among teens ages 14 – 17.

In addition, the agency reported 483 Utahns required hospitalization for COVID-19 on Wednesday. Another 8 Utahns died as the result of coronavirus, including the young person referenced above. The other victims ranged in ages from 25 to over 85. All except one had been hospitalized before they died — that person was a resident of a long-term care facility.

Rolling averages and trends

According to UDOH, the rolling 7-day average for positive COVID-19 tests in Utah is 1,362 per day.

Health officials report an increase of 10,349 Utahns tested for COVID-19 since the day before, and an increase of 18,148 tests performed.

That means the rolling 7-day average of people testing positive in Utah is 12.4%, and the rolling 7-day average of total positive test results is 9.3%.

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.
Seek out the COVID-19 vaccine.