SALT LAKE CITY – The number of COVID-19 cases in Utah has risen by 2,160 on Monday, with four more deaths reported, according to the Utah Department of Health.
The health department estimates that there are 50,030 active cases of COVID-19 in Utah. According to the health department, the average number of positive cases per seven-day day is 2,716. The positive test rate per day during this time period amounted to an all-time high of 30.8%, the first time this number was reported above 30%.
The new figures indicate an increase of 0.8% in positive cases since Sunday. Of the 1,752,324 people tested so far by COVID-19 in Utah, 16.4% tested positive for COVID-19. The health department reported 6,619 new people tested as of Monday, while tests performed increased by 8,770.
A total of 48,575 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have now been administered in Utah, starting at 47,382 on Sundays, according to the health department. Health officials point out that there is a delay in data submission from the time doses are shipped to Utah, administered to patients, and reported to the health department. State data show that 142,875 doses of vaccine have been sent to Utah.
There are currently 484 COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized in Utah, including 167 in intensive care. Overall, about 83% of all intensive care beds in Utah are occupied Monday, including approximately 86% of the ICU beds at the state’s 16 reference hospitals. Approximately 48% of non-ICU hospital beds are filled, according to state data.
The four new deaths reported on Monday were:
- A Washington County woman who was over 85 years old and resided in a long-term care center
- A Salt Lake County man who was over 85 and was not hospitalized when he died
- A Salt Lake County man who was between 65 and 84 years old and was hospitalized when he died
- A woman from Washington County who was over 85 and was hospitalized when she died
Monday’s total gives Utah 285,633 confirmed cases in total, with 11,240 total hospitalizations and 1,305 deaths from the disease. According to the health department, a total of 234,298 cases of COVID-19 are estimated to be recovered.
As Utah’s positive test rate continues to rise, the health department is offering free fast COVID-19 tests throughout Utah this week, according to a department statement. Anyone can be tested in clinics, even if they have no symptoms of COVID-19. The goal of the clinics is to more easily identify cases of COVID-19 in the community, including people who may not know they are infected because they have no symptoms.
People are advised to pre-register online to test the sites. People will also be able to register in person at the clinics, but identification may be required. You can find the full list of sites by clicking on this link.
There is no COVID-19 press conference scheduled for Monday. Utah officials usually provide updates at press conferences once a week on Wednesdays or Thursdays.
This story will be updated.
Methodology:
Test results now include PCR test data and antigen testing. Positive COVID-19 test results are reported to the health department immediately after confirmation, but negative results may not be reported within 24 to 72 hours.
The total number of cases reported daily by the Utah Department of Health includes all cases of COVID-19 since the Utah outbreak began, including those that are currently infected, those that have recovered from the disease, and those who have died.
Recovered cases are defined as anyone who was diagnosed with COVID-19 three or more weeks ago and who has not died.
The reference hospitals are the 16 hospitals in Utah with the capacity to provide the best COVID-19 health care.
According to the health department, deaths reported by the state usually occur two to seven days before their complaint. Some deaths may be even further back, especially if the person is from Utah but has died in another state.
The health department reports confirmed and probable deaths from COVID-19 cases as defined in the case reviewed by the Council of State and territorial epidemiologists. Death counts may change as case investigations are completed.
According to the health department, for deaths reported as deaths from COVID-19, the person would not have died if they did not have COVID-19.
The data included in this story primarily reflects the state of Utah as a whole. For more localized data, visit your local health district website.
You can learn more about Utah health guidance levels at coronavirus.utah.gov/utah-health-guidance-levels.
The information comes from the Utah Department of Health and coronavirus.utah.gov/case-counts. For more information on how the Utah Department of Health compiles and reports COVID-19 data, visit coronavirus.utah.gov/case-counts and scroll down to the “Data Notes” section at bottom of the page.
Related links
Jacob Klopfenstein