COVID cases in Utah ICUs nearing critical levels
Aug 2, 2021, 3:15 PM | Updated: 3:34 pm
Healthcare workers care for a COVID-19 patient in the ICU at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray. (Photo: Intermountain Healthcare)
(Photo: Intermountain Healthcare)
SALT LAKE CITY — The number of people in Utah intensive care units, or ICUs, who are struggling with COVID-19, is reaching a breaking point.
That news came in today’s update from the Utah Department of Health, which reported the state added more than 2,000 new cases of COVID-19 since Friday.
Of particular concern right now is the number of people who are hospitalized in intensive care units with COVID-19. On Monday, 367 people were hospitalized with the virus according to the Utah Department of Health, and 163 people were in intensive care.
That number of ICU patients represents 82.1% of the beds available in ICUs across the state. The state reports that at about 69% overall ICU utilization, Utah’s major hospitals begin to reach staffing capacity.
Once Utah reaches 85% capacity in ICUs, the state reports it will be “functionally out of staffed ICU beds, indicating an overwhelmed hospital system.”
There are many ways that people in Utah can be tested for COVID-19, including at sites operated by healthcare providers, by private laboratories, and TestUtah. Also, the Utah Department of Health can perform free rapid testing at multiple community locations across the state.
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.
Local resources
Utah’s Coronavirus Information
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
