Utah sets yet another new record for daily increase in COVID-19 cases
Jun 26, 2020, 1:18 PM | Updated: 1:28 pm
(Dr. Angela Dunn, speaking about the virus at the Utah Department of Health. Credit: KSL TV)
(Dr. Angela Dunn, speaking about the virus at the Utah Department of Health. Credit: KSL TV)
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah health officials say the state set another record for a daily increase in the number of reported COVID-19 cases.
The Utah Department of Health reported 676 new positive test results for COVID-19 on Friday, bringing the total for the state since the outbreak began to 20,050. Health officials reported an addition two deaths for the state and 31 new hospitalizations.
RELATED: KSL’s coronavirus tracker
11,097 of Utah’s COVID-19 cases are considered “recovered” by health officials, meaning it’s been more than three weeks since they were diagnosed and they did not die.
Response to new record COVID-19 cases in Utah
State epidemiologist Dr. Angela Dunn issued a statement Friday in response to the new record for daily cases in Utah.
“For the second time in a week, we are announcing our highest daily case count total,” Dunn said. “These cases affect ALL Utah residents. They have the potential to threaten our economy, and our ability to ensure people can receive the care they need in our hospitals.
“Each one of these cases represents a household that will now be required to quarantine. This means parents will be unable to go to work and children will be unable to see their friends. Each one of these cases inches us closer to maxing out our hospital capacity. If this happens, some Utahns who need hospital care may not be able to get it. And each one of these cases poses a clear and significant danger to somebody who falls into a high-risk category.
“We need large-scale behavior change on the part of all Utahns to reverse this trend. Everyone, whether it’s required in your county or not, needs to be wearing a mask in order to help protect those around you. Everyone should be practicing physical distancing, staying home if they’re sick, and washing their hands regularly.”
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
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
