School-aged children account for nearly one quarter of new COVID cases
Aug 25, 2021, 2:36 PM
FILE: Tabatha Rosproy, 2020 National Teacher of the Year, is shown with her pre-school students in Winfield, Kansas. (Photo courtesy Tabatha Rosproy via AP)
(Photo courtesy Tabatha Rosproy via AP)
SALT LAKE CITY — Information released by the Utah Department of Health on Wednesday shows that 374 school-aged children are among the latest Utahns to be diagnosed with COVID-19.
Another concerning number reported by health officials is the number of new cases. Since yesterday, 1,585 additional Utahns were reported to have contracted the virus. The last time the state reported more than 1,500 new cases of COVID-19 was January 29, 2021.
Health officials reported that 457,098 Utahns have been diagnosed with the virus since the beginning of the global pandemic in March 2020, representing an increase from Tuesday of 1,585.
Most of the children who tested positive for COVID-19 in Utah yesterday, 163, were between the ages of 5 and 10. Health officials reported 82 new cases in children ages 11-13. And 129 cases of COVID-19 were reported in children ages 14-18.
The total number of school-aged children diagnosed with COVID-19 and reported on Wednesday, 374, is the second-highest daily number since Utah health officials began reporting this age range. The highest number, 534, was reported on Monday and included totals from the weekend.
Utah health officials began including the number of school-aged children with COVID-19 in their daily updates last week.
Right now there are 471 people hospitalized with COVID-19 in Utah, and on Wednesday the Utah Department of Health reported 12 more deaths (one of which occurred before August 1, 2021).
Of the 12 deaths reported on Wednesday, three were between the ages of 25 and 44. The overall age range of recent deaths due to COVID-19 in Utah is between 25 and 85.
The daily report from Utah health officials now includes information about an individual’s risk of contracting COVDI-19, being hospitalized, or dying if unvaccinated.
On Wednesday, based on information accrued over the last 28 days, people who are unvaccinated are at five times greater risk of dying from COVID-19, 6.5 times greater risk of being hospitalized due to COVID-19, and 4.9 times greater risk of testing positive for COVID-19 than vaccinated people.
- 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).
- Get a flu shot.
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
