COVID-19 hospitalizations at record high in Utah

Oct 11, 2020, 1:13 PM | Updated: 1:45 pm

Digital Content Producer

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah health officials reported on Sunday an additional 1,200 cases of COVID-19 throughout the state.

The Utah Department of Health also reported seven additional deaths, bringing that total to 517.

The hospitalization numbers in Utah hit a new high on Sunday when the Utah Department of Health reported that 254 people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19.

According to Utah government’s tracking data, the second-highest hospitalization number was reached earlier this week, on October 9, when the hospitalization number was at 243.

Earlier this week, KSL Newsradio reported on the concerns of at least one of the major hospitals in the state. Infectious disease physician, Dr. Emily Spivak with University of Utah Health said that ICU capacity was quickly filling up at her hospital.

“This morning our medical intensive care unit was 95% full,” Spivak said on October 8. “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.”

The possibility of maximizing the medical care system has been a concern for Utah leaders, including Gov. Gary Herbert, since the beginning of the global pandemic.

“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 on October 8. “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?”

Since the outbreak began, 4,306 people have been hospitalized with complications connected to the novel coronavirus.

How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronavirus is transmitted from person to person. It is a virus that is 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.