SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Dept. of Health reported 439 new COVID-19 cases in Utah Friday.
That is a daily rate increase of 4.1-percent and brings the total number of cases in the state to 11,252.
"Today's case counts represent yet another significant increase in the spread of COVID-19 in our communities," said State Epidemiologist, Dr. Angela Dunn.
One-third of these new cases are from the Bear River Health District, she added, which covers Box Elder, Cache and Rich Counties.
"Many of those are tied to an ongoing outbreak we have been investigating at a local meat processing facility," Dunn said. "Many of the workers at this facility match the demographics of who we know are at the highest risk for infection. I expect to see additional cases of COVID-19 identified as part of this outbreak, both at the worksite and in the community."
The name or location of the plant was not released.
Three new COVID-19 deaths were reported, bringing the total number of deaths in Utah to 120.
The new deaths were:
- Male, between the ages of 60-85, Salt Lake County resident, hospitalized at time of death
- Female, older than 85, Salt Lake County resident, long-term care facility resident
- Male, between the ages of 60-85, Salt Lake County resident, hospitalized at time of death
There has been an increase of 20 hospitalizations since Thursday. 114 COVID-19 people are currently being treated at Utah hospitals.
The number of Utahns tested for COVID-19 is now at 232,197. This is an increase of 4,690 from Thursday and the rate of positives is at 4.8-percent.
Dr. Dunn said now is not the time to let your guard down.
"Social distancing is more important than ever," she said, "Yet people seem to be taking it less seriously than ever. If you're sick, stay home. If you're moving about in public, wear a mask. It is up to all of us as individuals to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Utah."