13 people test positive for COVID-19 at the Midvale Family Resource Center
May 11, 2020, 6:51 PM | Updated: 7:19 pm
FILE - In this April 2, 2020, file photo a nurse holds a vial and a swab at a drive-up coronavirus testing station at a hospital in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
(AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
MIDVALE, Utah – Thirteen people have tested positive for COVID-19 at the Midvale Family Resource Center.
The Salt Lake County Health department tested about 140 people staying at the shelter along with 56 employees last week.
Ten homeless people from seven different families have tested positive, as well as three staff members at the Midvale Family Resource Center. The ten are quarantining with their families at a county quarantine facility.
It’s unclear how severe the cases are or just how people got infected. Because of this, the Midvale Family Resource Center is not taking in anyone else.
Salt Lake County said in a statement that cleaning and safety procedures may have slowed the spread of the virus in this shelter.
“Months of enhanced procedures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in this congregant living setting delayed positive cases for as long as possible. Those procedures included extra cleaning, further separation inside the resource center, tents set up outside the facility to encourage social distancing during the day, encouraging both staff and clients to wear face masks, and daily screenings for fever and other symptoms, followed by testing,” the statement said.
The health department and the Road Home, who operates the shelters, were heavily criticized after more than 90 men tested positive for COVID-19 in the South Salt Lake men’s shelter last month.
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How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus
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.
Resources for more information:
LOCAL:
State of Utah: https://coronavirus.utah.gov/
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707
National Links
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization
