Unprecedented 1,117 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Utah
Sep 18, 2020, 1:31 PM
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Department of Health reported 1,117 new cases of COVID-19 Friday, the highest single-day increase reported to date.
“This is another alarming day for our COVID-19 case numbers,” said Gov. Gary Herbert. “We are clearly in an upward trend of cases.”
On Thursday the Utah Department of Health (UDH) reported 911 cases — the previous single-day increase record — and 747 cases were reported the day before that.
“For months, we have warned people that they need to stay home if they are sick, and they need to stay away from others if they have tested positive for COVID-19,” Gov. Herbert said. “They need to wear a mask around others, even when they are not sick. ”
Utah now reports a total 61,775 positive cases of COVID-19 and 437 deaths. There were no new deaths reported on Friday.
The rolling 7-day average for positive tests is now 726, with the rolling 7-day average for the percent of positive laboratory tests at 12.5%.
“We all need to consider the common public good when making daily decisions,” Gov. Herbert said. “And frankly, there is no room for lackadaisical behavior.”
Responding to the number of new cases on Friday, Gov. Herbert said he will meet with the Unified Command leadership on Monday “to discuss needed interventions.”
“This week’s spikes make me seriously question if these warnings and public education are enough,” Gov. Herbert said. “I’d like to emphasize that all of the tools that the government has for controlling the spread of COVID-19 are on the table. We are seriously considering each one of them.
