SALT LAKE CITY – As a second coronavirus vaccine prepares to enter the mix in Utah, the state health department reported Sunday that it has confirmed 1,994 new cases of COVID-19 and seven deaths from the disease statewide .
The figures bring Utah to 250,964 confirmed cases and 1,155 deaths since the pandemic began.
In an email, the health department said Utahns who died include:
- An Iron County man between the ages of 65 and 84 who was hospitalized when he died
- A Morgan County woman between the ages of 65 and 84 was hospitalized
- A Salt Lake County woman between the ages of 65 and 84 is hospitalized
- A Salt Lake County man between the ages of 65 and 84 who resided in a long-term care center
- A Sanpete County man between the ages of 45 and 64 hospitalized
- A Utah County woman between the ages of 65 and 84 was hospitalized
- A Washington County man between the ages of 65 and 84 who was hospitalized
As of Sunday, the health department reports that it has administered 3,648 first doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and that 23,400 doses have been sent to Utah from the federal government. Vaccines require multiple doses.
There are currently 557 Utahns reported hospitalized due to COVID-19, 201 of whom are in intensive care. The health department claims that approximately 95% of the state’s total ICU capacity is used, including 98.7% of the ICU beds at its “referral center” in the 16 hospitals in Utah with the better ability to care for coronavirus patients.
There have now been just over 10,000 Utahns hospitalized due to COVID-19. They have been divided almost exactly evenly between men and women, their average age has been 55 years and 62% were considered “high risk” individuals.
Over the past week, the state has averaged 2,442 new cases a day and a positive test percentage of 22.76. The new number of cases on Sunday came when 8,663 more Utahns were tried.
State leaders urge continued caution as Utahns prepares to celebrate Christmas this week.
this week
- Saturday: Utah Department of Health Reports 2,408 New COVID-19 Cases, Eight Dead Saturday
- Friday: 2,644 more cases of COVID-19, 14 deaths were reported on Friday; Utah receives fewer doses of vaccine than expected
- Thursday: Alcohol, School Quarantine Policies Adjusted, as Utah Records 30 Records of COVID-19 Deaths, 3,203 Cases
- Wednesday: 2,928 more COVID-19 cases, 19 deaths reported Wednesday in Utah
- Tuesday: 1,915 more COVID-19 cases, 15 deaths reported Tuesday in Utah
- Monday: 1,968 more cases of COVID-19, 7 deaths reported Monday in Utah
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.
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Graham Dudley