Second COVID-19 death reported in Utah; cases now at 480 statewide
Mar 27, 2020, 12:51 PM | Updated: 1:16 pm
(State Epidemiologist Angela Dunn, right, and ASL interpreter Clay Anderson, left, report on the progress of the virus Thursday, March 26, 2020. Credit: KSL TV)
(State Epidemiologist Angela Dunn, right, and ASL interpreter Clay Anderson, left, report on the progress of the virus Thursday, March 26, 2020. Credit: KSL TV)
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Department of Health reported the state’s second COVID-19 death Friday, as the total number of people testing positive in Utah reached 480.
We are sad to report a second death from COVID. It’s a person with significant underlying medical issues.
San Juan and TriCounty health have announced their first cases.
Total cases: 480.
Completed tests: 9,244 pic.twitter.com/0erwFwIr2c— Utah Coronavirus Task Force (@UtahCoronavirus) March 27, 2020
State health department officials offer daily briefings about the spread of coronavirus. During Friday’s briefing, state epidemiologist Dr. Angela Dunn said the patient who died lived in southwestern Utah but died in Salt Lake City. The Utah Coronavirus Task Force confirmed in a tweet the patient had “significant underlying medical issues.”
In a news release, the Southwest Utah Public Health Department confirmed a woman over the age of 60 is that patient.
As of Friday, Salt Lake County had the state’s highest number of COVID-19 cases at 218, followed by Summit County, which began a “stay at home” protocol this week, at 102.
This story is breaking and will be updated.
How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus
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.
Local resources
State of Utah: https://coronavirus.utah.gov/
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707
National Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
