SALT LAKE CITY — 17 more Utahns have died as a result of COVID-19, the Utah Department of Health reported Friday, amid a week of record-breaking case increases. 

Health officials said 2,987 Utahns tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, breaking the single-day increase record for a second day in a row. With 11,220 tests performed, that means the percent of positive tests for the time frame was 26.6%. The seven-day rolling average of positive tests is now over 2,000 cases per day at 19.7%. 

The number of people who died, 17, also represents a one-day record for Utahns succumbing to COVID-19. 

According to state officials, 395 Utahns currently require treatment in a hospital for COVID-19. 167 of those patients require ICU or intensive care treatment. 

17 more Utahns dead from COVID-19  

649 Utahns have died from COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic, health officials report. Regarding the 17 new deaths reported today, health officials provided the following demographic details:

• Male, between 65-84, Utah County resident, hospitalized at time of death
• Female, between 65-84, Davis County resident, hospitalized at time of death
• Male, between 45-64, Tooele County resident, hospitalized at time of death
• Female, between 45-64, Salt Lake County resident, hospitalized at time of death
• Male, between 65-84, Davis County resident, hospitalized at time of death
• Female, between 65-84, Salt Lake County resident, long-term care facility resident
• Male, between 65-84, Utah County resident, long-term care facility resident
• Female, between 65-84, Salt Lake County resident, hospitalized at time of death
• Female, between 65-84, Washington County resident, hospitalized at time of death
• Male, between 65-84, Utah County resident, hospitalized at time of death
• Female, older than 85, Juab County resident, long-term care facility resident
• Male, between 65-84, Utah County resident, hospitalized at time of death
• Female, older than 85, Utah County resident, not hospitalized at time of death
• Male, between 65-84, Salt Lake County resident, long-term care facility resident
• Male, between 65-84, Washington County resident, hospitalized at time of death
• Male, between 25-44, Salt Lake County resident, hospitalized at time of death
• Male, older than 85, Weber County resident, not hospitalized at time of death

Statement from Gov. Herbert 

Gov. Gary Herbert issued the following statement in response to the new record numbers: 

The numbers being reported today are exactly what we’ve been warning Utah residents about for weeks. They are why we’ve implored Utahns to adopt the behaviors that could have prevented us from reaching this point.

COVID-19 is spreading rampantly and uncontrolled in our communities. Getting ahead of this trend will become more and more difficult with every passing day. In the coming days I will be announcing additional policies designed to address this ongoing surge.

The health department urged Utahns to seek coronavirus testing if they experience symptoms, or following any exposure. 

COVID-19 is spreading rapidly in every community in Utah and placing a huge strain on our healthcare system and providers. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, go get tested immediately. There are 100+ testing sites in Utah. Visit https://t.co/7nRAWGIrGx to find a testing site.

— State of Utah COVID-19 Response (@UtahCoronavirus) November 6, 2020

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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

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