ALL NEWS

Hospitals a concern as Utah sets new record for COVID-19 cases

Oct 8, 2020, 1:40 PM | Updated: 6:16 pm

hospitalizations covid-19 cases record utah...

Source: Utah Department of Health via coronavirus.utah.gov

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah health officials say the state set another one-day record for the increase in COVID-19 cases from the day before on Thursday. 

The Utah Department of Health reported 1,501 new cases of COVID-19 Thursday, a new record, for a total of 81,947 since the outbreak began. 

But the concern goes beyond the basic numbers, according to Dr. Emily Spivak, an infectious disease physician with the University of Utah. She said ICU capacity was filling up quickly at her hospital. 

“This morning our medical intensive care unit was 95% full,” Spivak said. “We do have the capacity, and people are working to essentially build out other intensive care unit capacity, transition other units, but for us and what this reflects to me, is — we are maximizing the system.” 

There are currently 237 people hospitalized in Utah for COVID-19. 86 of those patients require intensive care unit treatment. Statewide, health officials say 73% of all ICU beds are taken. 

Spivak began to cry after she was asked what it’s like for healthcare workers dealing with rising COVID-19 cases.  She said their hospital administration is very mindful of the physical and mental stress doctors and nurses are going through, but, she constantly hears heartbreaking stories from caregivers.

“They feel very overwhelmed,” Spivak said.  “We feel supported and we have great leadership, but people are really tired.  I don’t know what else to tell you.”

The problem, according to Spivak, is people not wearing masks.  She says it’s a very simple choice to wear one, or not.

“If we choose the latter, we can all plan on remaining in this current state of uncertainty, experiencing lockdowns, virtual schools, cancelled sporting events and holidays without loved ones,” she said.

hospitalizations Utah COVID-19 cases record

Total ICU count in Utah for COVID-19. Source: Utah Department of Health via coronavirus.utah.gov

Utah COVID-19 cases record hospitalizations

Total Utah hospitalizations for COVID-19. Source: Utah Department of Health via coronavirus.utah.gov

While Utah COVID-19 cases result in hospitalization just over 5% of the time, meaning nearly 95% do not require hospitalization, about 1% wind up needing ICU care, according to figures from state health officials. Another 1% require ventilator treatment, the data shows. 

“It is a concern statewide, especially when our main referral health care centers are maxing out of their ICUs, that means there’s going to be limited capacity,” Dr. Angela Dunn, Utah’s state epidemiologist said. “As flu season ramps up and other respiratory diseases come in the fall, you know, are we going to eventually need to move towards crisis standards of care?” 

Dunn urges everyone who can get a flu vaccine to get one as soon as possible.

“You can get the flu vaccine right now and we really need everybody out there who is able to get the flu vaccine to get it to limit the strain on our health care systems.”

Utah reported five additional deaths Thursday, in patients ranging in age from 45 to over 85. Three of those were residents of long-term care facilities. The other two were neither long-term care patients nor were they patients in a hospital. 

State officials estimate 60,220 of the COVID-19 cases in Utah to date to be “recovered.” That means diagnosis was more than three weeks ago, and the patient did not die.


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.
  • 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

KSL Coronavirus Q&A 

Utah’s Coronavirus Information 

Utah State Board of Education

Utah Hospital Association

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

Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization

Cases in the United States

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

All News

The steel frame of the Francis Scott Key Bridge sits on top of the container ship Dali after the br...

Nick Perry

Baltimore bridge collapse puts the highly specialized role of ship’s pilot under the spotlight

The highly specialized role — in which a pilot temporarily takes control of a ship from its regular captain — is coming under the spotlight this week.

4 hours ago

Shopping carts are parked outside a Home Depot in Philadelphia...

MICHELLE CHAPMAN AP Business Writer

Home Depot buying supplier to professional contractors in a deal valued at about $18.25 billion

Home Depot will buy SRS Distribution, a materials provider for professionals, in a deal valued at approximately $18.25 billion.

5 hours ago

Killer Mike poses in the press room with three trophies he won at the 66th annual Grammy Awards on ...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Recent Grammy winners highlight Ogden Twilight Concert Series lineup

Hip hop star Michael Render, known by his stage name Killer Mike, fresh off of three Grammy Award wins last month, is one of several musical artists set to headline this year's Ogden Twilight Concert Series.

5 hours ago

"Burn Book," by longtime Silicon Valley reporter Kara Swisher is seen, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, in Sa...

Jeff Caplan

Jeff Caplan’s Minute of News: Telling tales about tech bros

Kara Swisher’s new book paints an ugly picture of Silicon Valley.

8 hours ago

pets...

Curt Gresseth

Don’t surrender pets to a shelter. Send in a pro to reverse bad behavior, says Utah trainer

An expert discusses controlling the unwanted behavior of pets.

8 hours ago

Exclusive video obtained by KSL NewsRadio shows Salt Lake hit-and-run in the Avenues neighborhood. ...

Eric Cabrera

WATCH: Exclusive video shows woman survives Salt Lake City hit and run

KSL NewsRadio has exclusively obtained footage of a Salt Lake City hit-and-run, where a woman was struck while out for a run in the Avenues.

8 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Hospitals a concern as Utah sets new record for COVID-19 cases