SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Department of Health is optimistic about some current trends in the state’s COVID-19 statistics.
Monday, UDOH reported 1,082 positive COVID-19 cases — the lowest number in 2021, so far.
As of Monday’s reporting, the state’s seven-day rolling average of positive tests is 2,154, a sharp drop from its peak of 3,258 earlier this month.
The state’s seven-day average of percentage of positive tests has fallen to 21 percent, more than 10 points lower than its high of 33 percent.
“We’re encouraged by the case count data over the past 10 days, especially the percent of positive test results and the daily average of positive cases, both of which have decreased significantly. It’s also promising that we did not experience a sustained, post-holiday surge in cases following the winter holidays," the Utah Department of Health said in a statement.
While the numbers are encouraging, UDOH is encouraging people to remain vigilant in the fight against the virus by wearing face coverings, avoiding large gatherings and staying home if feeling sick.
Those sentiments are echoed by Ogden resident Sarah Boles who is recovering from the virus after testing positive in December.
“I did everything right and I still got it,” Boles said. “I couldn’t breathe. I was coughing up blood and green. My lungs were hurting. I couldn’t take stairs. I was having high fevers, waking up in night sweats.”
The virus landed Boles in the hospital for several days. She is optimistic about the latest trends but is warning others to still do all they can to avoid contracting the virus.
“Do it for you. Do it to protect yourself and do it to protect your loved ones,” Boles said. “This is just our new norm and we need to be extra careful. I got lucky. There were a few days I wasn’t sure I was going to make it.”
While the worst of the recovery process is behind her, Boles hopes it won’t be long until the worst of the pandemic is over.
“We are getting there,” Boles said. “We are not there yet, but we will be there soon.”