ALL NEWS

COVID cases in Utah ICUs nearing critical levels

Aug 2, 2021, 3:15 PM | Updated: 3:34 pm

Utah ICUs filling up because of Covid...

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

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

Cancers, once considered to be part of the aging process, are now showing up in much younger people...

Don Brinkerhoff

Early-Onset cancer rates rising for people ages 18 to 45

Early-onset cancer is showing up earlier and earlier in patients aged 18 to 49, and researchers aren't quite sure why.

1 hour ago

A 21-year-old man received "serious burns" after being shocked while working on fiber optic cables ...

Roy Burton

Man hospitalized with ‘serious burns’ after electric shock in Box Elder County

A 21-year-old man received "serious burns" after being shocked while working on fiber optic cables on telephone poles.

2 hours ago

Salt Lake Police Department are investigating a crash between a motorcycle and SUV, that led to cri...

Emma Keddington

Critical injury crash reported between motorcycle and SUV Downtown

SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake Police Department is investigating a crash in Central City, involving a motorcyclist and an SUV,  causing critical injuries to the motorcyclist.  The crash, taking place in a neighborhood around 350 South and 200 East, was reported at around 5:25 p.m. Monday, March 18.  The-28-year old motorcyclist was taken to […]

3 hours ago

cricket ball, cricket in us...

Jeff Caplan

Jeff Caplan’s Minute of News: The rise of cricket in the US

It’s not enough that we’re obsessed with Kate Middleton, but now the US is apparently embracing another British sport, cricket.

4 hours ago

A Logan police cruiser is pictured outside the department on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019....

Jessica Lowell

Logan Police Department releases new arrest details

Logan Police Department said former officer Carlos Cubias has been part of a year long internal investigation after being accused of sexual abuse.

5 hours ago

tulips at tulip festival, spring in utah starts tomorrow...

Alexandrea Bonilla

Spring expected to be warmer this year in Utah and nationwide

Spring in Utah starts on March 19, with temperatures expected to be in the 60s for the Wasatch Front.

6 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.

COVID cases in Utah ICUs nearing critical levels