More than 500000 Utahns have been tested for COVID-19 as state reports 661 more cases, 1 new death – Salt Lake Tribune

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The number of Utahns tested for COVID-19 surpassed 500,000 Saturday as the Department of Health reported 661 more cases and one additional death.

The state now has had a total of 37,623 cases and 274 deaths. The new death was a Davis County man, age 65 to 84, who lived in a long-term care facility.

The state saw a drop in the number of people in intensive care units at 79, down from 97 the day before. The last time there were that few COVID-19 patients in ICUs was July 9.

American Indians and Alaska Natives also had the highest mortality rate Saturday, with 29.1 per 100,000 population, slightly higher than Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians at 27.9. The statewide mortality rate was 8.7.

The overall seven-day average in Utah was 615 new cases per day, slightly up from Fridays average of 614. Gov. Gary Herbert has said he wants the states seven-day average to be below 500 new cases per day by Aug. 1.

For the past week, 9.2% of new tests came back positive, which is a slight increase from Fridays average of 9.1%.

Of 37,623 Utahns who have tested positive for COVID-19, 24,390 are considered recovered that is, they have survived for at least three weeks after being diagnosed.

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More than 500000 Utahns have been tested for COVID-19 as state reports 661 more cases, 1 new death - Salt Lake Tribune