NewsCoronavirusLocal Coronavirus News

Actions

For second day in a row, Utah sees highest daily increase of COVID-19 case counts

With 1,117 additional cases reported, Gov. Herbert is considering 'all of the tools' for slowing COVID-19 spread
Posted at 1:07 PM, Sep 18, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-18 18:21:21-04

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Department of Health's COVID-19 report for Friday shows another record in the state's daily increase in COVID-19 cases, with 1,117 new cases.

"This is another alarming day for our COVID-19 case numbers. We are clearly in an upward trend of cases. 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. They need to wear a mask around others, even when they are not sick. We all need to consider the common public good when making daily decisions, and frankly, there is no room for lackadaisical behavior," said Governor Gary Herbert in a statement accompanying Friday's report. (Scroll down for the full statement.)

61,775 people in Utah have now tested positive for COVID-19 and 437 people in Utah have died of the disease.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, 3,444 people in Utah have required hospitalization for COVID-19. Of those, 131 remain hospitalized.

50,492 of Utah's COVID-19 cases are considered "recovered."

Gov. Herbert's full statement:

"This is another alarming day for our COVID-19 case numbers. We are clearly in an upward trend of cases. 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. They need to wear a mask around others, even when they are not sick. We all need to consider the common public good when making daily decisions, and frankly, there is no room for lackadaisical behavior.

This week’s spikes make me seriously question if these warnings and public education are enough. I will meet with the Unified Command leadership again Monday to discuss needed interventions. I’d like to emphasize that all of the tools that government has for controlling the spread of COVID-19 are on the table. We are seriously considering each one of them.

In the meantime, I am encouraged by discussions occurring between Utah County elected officials and am glad to see them consulting with public health experts and treating this spike in cases seriously.”