ALL NEWS

Dr. Dunn: ‘We are certainly moving in the right direction’ with COVID-19 spread

Jan 14, 2021, 11:28 AM | Updated: 12:17 pm

COVID-19 spread...

Dr. Dunn during the state's COVID-19 briefing.

SALT LAKE CITY — The state’s top epidemiologist says “We are certainly moving in the right direction” in controlling the spread of COVID-19 in Utah. 

The comments from state epidemiologist Dr. Angela Dunn comes as thousands of Utahns begin to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and the state increases its testing capacity. 

During the governor’s weekly COVID-19 briefing Thursday, Dunn said the seven day rolling average of cases and the positivity rate have decreased from last week. However, while this is good news, Dunn warned “hospitals are still overwhelmed.” She encouraged residents to continue wearing masks and following physical distancing guidelines. 

Dunn attributed the fall in positive cases to the vaccine and rapid testing in hard-hit communities. She said over the last week, Utah tested over 13,000 individuals. Additionally, since COVID-19 test production has ramped up. Dunn said anyone who needs a COVID-19 test, can get one. 

“The [COVID-19 testing] effort has decreased spread, prevented outbreaks, and made communities safer,” said Dunn. 

COVID-19 vaccine distribution

Gov. Spencer Cox said within the last week, Utah has doubled the number of vaccines distributed. So far, more than 133,000 Utahns have received their first vaccination dose.  

Recently, Utah educators and residents over 70 years old were eligible to get the vaccine, and since then, Cox said “tens of thousands of teachers have already received the vaccine.”

However, despite federal recommendations, Cox said residents over the age of 65 will not be able to get the vaccine right now due to limited supply. 

“We don’t have enough vaccines in the state just yet,” said Cox. “As soon as more vaccines are available, we will open the vaccines to people 65 and older.”

He also said that based on state data, the two groups with the highest COVID-19 mortality rate are residents 70 and over, and those in long term care facilities.  

Cox mentioned he “fully anticipates” residents over the age of 65 and those with co-morbidities will be eligible for the vaccine in February. 

If you do not see a live feed of the news conference after 11:30, please refresh this page.

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.

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

IRS texts are bogus. Picture shows a sign saying "warning, scam alert" on a keyboard...

Britt Johnson

Millions to be paid for Utah’s largest real estate scheme settlement

Over $10 million in refunds will go to victims of a Utah-based real estate scheme following the settlement of a lawsuit.

14 minutes ago

Outside of the Yale University Law School is pictured on September 27, 2018 in New Haven, Connectic...

Zenebou Sylla, CNN

Some New England universities, including Yale, break $90,000 barrier for total tuition cost in upcoming school year

(CNN) — Several New England universities and colleges, including Yale, have reached a pinnacle of at least $90,000 for undergraduate tuition and costs starting this fall. Yale University, Tufts University, Boston University (BU), and Wellesley College are among a few private institutions that will top this year’s costs for tuition, housing and other expenses, according to […]

8 hours ago

A West Jordan man was arrested Tuesday for investigation of negligent homicide after he allegedly t...

Pat Reavy, ksl.com

West Jordan man shot, killed best friend while trying to ‘be funny,’ police say

A West Jordan man was arrested Tuesday for investigation of negligent homicide after shooting his "best friend."

9 hours ago

FILE: Cedar High School in Cedar City is pictured on Wednesday April 7, 2021....

Tammy Kikuchi and Emma Keddington

Cedar High School grapples with mascot name, five years after it was changed

The Iron School District Board of Education is grappling with changing the Cedar High School mascot back from "Reds" to "Redmen." 

9 hours ago

Dairy cows across the country, specifically in Texas, Kansas and New Mexico are getting sick with a...

Alexandrea Bonilla

Cows across the country are getting sick with a “flu-like” illness

Utah is altering the requirements for livestock brought into the state after multiple cows across the country have gotten sick with a flu-like illness.  

10 hours ago

FILE: The bust of 30 pounds of fentanyl in American Fork on March 21 highlights the drug problem Ut...

Heather Peterson and Curt Gresseth

DEA warns fentanyl most deadly drug in U.S. and Utah history

The DEA said Utah is on pace to see double the amount of fentanyl this year than last.

12 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.

Dr. Dunn: ‘We are certainly moving in the right direction’ with COVID-19 spread