Utah’s 7-day COVID-19 test positivity rate is nearly 20%

SALT LAKE CITY– As the number of people who test positive for COVID-19 continues to rise in Utah, so does the positivity rate. On Monday, the state’s 7-day average of positive COVID-19 tests reached a new record of 19%. The Utah Department of Health (UDOH) reports the 7-day rolling average of positive cases is at 1,647 per day.  

New COVID-19 infections and a new high positivity rate

The state continues to see more than 1,000 new infections every day, with another 1,196 Utahns reported having the virus on Monday. 

Utahns between the ages of 25-44 make up the bulk of infections (36%), with those between the ages of 15-24 not far behind (26%). 

UDOH only categorizes a few counties in the state as “low level of transmission” areas, including:

• Daggett
• Kane
• Piute
• Rich
• Wayne

Iron County stands alone in the “moderate level of transmission,” and the rest of the state is considered “high level of transmission,” for COVID-19. 

Hospitalizations increase in Utah

UDOH reported 348 Utahns are currently hospitalized with COVID-19, 138 are in the intensive care unit (ICU). Since the pandemic began, that’s the highest total in both categories. 

Out of the 348 hospitalizations, 18 are under investigation for persons with COVID-19. Utah’s ICU capacity is 71.2% occupied and 50.4% of non-ICU beds are in use. 

Health officials and professionals have been warning Utah hospitals implementing crisis care standards due to the rise in hospitalizations and lack of medical resources to treat patients.  

No new deaths

The state said the number of people who died because of COVID-19 remained the same Monday. Thus far, a total of 614 Utahns have lost their life to the virus. 

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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