Utah close to July 4th vaccine goal, Cox says
Jul 2, 2021, 4:04 PM
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox ordered on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 that all U.S. and Utah flags be lowered at all state buildings in honor of the Uvalde, Texas shooting victims.
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah has come very close to the goal set by President Joe Biden of having 70% of adults receiving at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by the 4th of July.
Gov. Spencer Cox told a news conference that the numbers tracked by the Utah Department of Health show more than 64% of adults in the state have had at least one dose. Adding in those who’ve received shots from federal agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, Cox says the total is over 69%.
But the governor says the job isn’t finished as Utah works toward the vaccine goal.
“There’s nothing magical about that 70% threshold or number. We would rather have 99%, 100% of Utah adults vaccinated,” he said.
Utah vaccine goal in sight as cases climb
Utah has seen an increase in new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations tracked on the coronavirus.utah.gov website in recent days. Cox and Utah health authorities say most of them could have been avoided with vaccinations.
Doctor Kencee Graves with University of Utah Health says the burden on intensive care units has been growing again, even as health care staffing has been going down.
“Everyone in our ICU but one person is unvaccinated. For those of you who are young and feel like you are not vulnerable, there’s someone under 30 who’s been in my ICU since April 9th,” she said.
The governor acknowledged the difficulty of persuading some Utah residents to get the vaccine, but he says it’s readily available, even on weekends leading up to the holiday.
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.
- 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).
- Obtain a flu shot.
- Seek out the COVID-19 vaccine.
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
