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Saturday's daily COVID-19 cases top record-high set one day prior

Coronavirus
Posted at 1:15 PM, Jun 20, 2020
and last updated 2020-06-20 16:47:28-04

The number of lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases in Utah has reached a new daily high, breaking the record that was set on Friday.

The Utah Department of Health is reporting 17,068 cases, an increase of 643 since Friday.

Approximately 9,390 of those cases is considered to be recovered.

292,877 people have been tested statewide, which is an increase of 5,519 since Friday.

16 more people have been hospitalized in connection to the virus since yesterday, bringing the total to 1,161 hospitalizations since May. 152 people are currently hospitalized.

No new deaths have been reported, keeping the statewide fatality rate at 155.

In a statement, state epidemiologist Dr. Angela Dunn with the Utah Department of Health said:

"These numbers are sobering. For three straight weeks now our cases have been increasing at a rate that isn’t sustainable. We are at risk for overwhelming our hospital capacity, which could result in Utahns not getting the medical care they need. The only explanation for this increase in cases is that we are experiencing a real and a dramatic rise in the spread of COVID-19 across our state.The public health response to this pandemic has not eased up, and we are asking individuals not to ease their own response as well. We continue to contact trace, test, evaluate data, and provide policy-makers with evidence-based recommendations. As they engage more with the economy, Utah residents must do their part by limiting their number of close contacts through good physical distancing, wearing a mask when physical distancing is not possible, staying home if you’re sick, and washing your hands regularly."

Gov. Gary Herbert also released a statement via Twitter:

"As we see COVID-19 cases spike, I urge all Utahns to use face coverings. I wear face masks every day. I know it can look and feel a little different. But data shows it slows the spread of this pernicious virus. #StayStrong Utah."