Coronavirus in Utah: Record-breaking week ends with a total of more than 21000 cases – Salt Lake Tribune

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Utah hit record highs in new COVID-19 infections, deaths and hospitalizations as the state ended the first week of Gov. Gary Herberts latest coronavirus restrictions.

In the past seven days, there have been 21,187 cases of coronavirus. That number stood at 16,111 just a week ago.

Since Monday, the Utah Department of Health has reported that 59 people have died from COVID-19. Last Sunday, the total number of deaths was 46 at weeks end. The death toll since the pandemic began is 718.

There are 484 people currently hospitalized with COVID-19, per the health department. A week ago, it was 424.

To date, 6,769 people have been hospitalized. Ninety-six new hospitalizations were reported Sunday, and 85% of all intensive care unit beds are currently occupied with coronavirus patients.

The week included two days when new cases surpassed 4,000. The rolling seven-day average rate for positive tests stands at 24.3%. Last week, it was at 20.6%.

The department of health on Sunday reported 2,667 new cases of the coronavirus and eight new deaths:

The lives of many Utahns were affected this past week as a result of the still increasing case numbers.

Conditions have gotten so dire in Utah recently that Salt Lake County, in an apparent effort to motivate people to follow health precautions meant to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, launched an initiative to share stories of people impacted by COVID-19.

Herbert said Thursday that it will take the modification of behavior to get on the other side of the pandemic.

The order is set to expire Nov. 23, just before the Thanksgiving holiday. Its unclear if state officials will extend the restrictions or offer other recommendations for Utahns this holiday season.

We want people to have an enjoyable holiday season," Herbert said Thursday, but we also want them to have a safe enjoyable holiday season.

Correction Sunday, 3:51 p.m.: An earlier version of this story incorrectly listed Sundays deaths.

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Coronavirus in Utah: Record-breaking week ends with a total of more than 21000 cases - Salt Lake Tribune