Dr. Dunn Encourages Utahns To Act ‘More Like High School Athletes’ Amid COVID-19 Surge

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – State epidemiologist Dr. Angela Dunn encouraged Utahns to act “more like high school athletes” amid a record number of COVID-19 cases.

On Thursday, November 12, Utah health officials announced that nine more Utahns have died as a direct result of the coronavirus disease.

Utah’s hospital capacity is of high concern. The state’s ICU threshold is 85% capacity. On November 12, ICU beds were 83% full.

UPDATE: #ICU bed utilization in #Utah just reached 87.4% at the 16 hospitals best equipped to handle #COVID19 patients.

We've surpassed the threshold "indicating an overwhelmed hospital system" according to @UtahDepOfHealth

MORE: https://t.co/7dymlwbhc2 @KSL5TV @kslnewsradio pic.twitter.com/lSWAYcs1si

— Ladd Egan (@laddegan) November 12, 2020

A single day record of 3,919 positive cases was also announced.

Currently, 468 people in the state are hospitalized because of the virus.

One day earlier, Dr. Dunn said that 1,400 high school sport student and staff had been tested for the virus and only 53 individuals had positive test results.

She said those student athletes have been taking precautions seriously.

“We should all start acting more like high school athletes,” Dr. Dunn said.

9 more Utahns died. 3,919 tested positive, shattering previous record. ICUs at 83% capacity. When 85% capacity is reached, Utah will be functionally out of staffed ICU, indicating overwhelmed hospital system. This could lead to rationing care. https://t.co/5addhxdPp8#MaskUpUtah

— KSL 5 TV (@KSL5TV) November 12, 2020

She emphasized that if Utahns will take the precautions seriously, wear masks and limit social gatherings to a single household in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, then the state will see an effect in lowering the spread of the virus.

Governor Gary Herbert said 4.5 – 5% of people who test positive end up in the hospital, and the state’s hospitals are already overwhelmed.

Sporting events including high school and collegiate games have been impacted in recent weeks because of COVID-19.

For complete information on the state of Utah’s news COVID-19 guidelines, visit KSLTV.com here.

Coronavirus Resources

• Have you or a family member been affected by coronavirus issues in Utah? KSL TV wants to hear from you. Contact KSL by emailing social@ksl.com.
• What is COVID-19? Here’s What You Need To Know To Stay Healthy
• What We Know And Don’t Know About The Coronavirus
• Four Common Coronavirus Questions Answered
• The latest coronavirus stories from KSL TV can be found at our Staying Safe: Coronavirus section.
• Your Life Your Health: How can parents prepare their home, children against coronavirus?

How Do I Prevent It?

The CDC has some simple recommendations, most of which are the same for preventing other respiratory illnesses or the flu:

• Avoid close contact with people who may be sick
• Avoid touching your face
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

How To Get Help

If you’re worried you may have COVID-19, you can contact the Utah Coronavirus Information Line at 1-800-456-7707 to speak to trained healthcare professionals. You can also use telehealth services through your healthcare providers.

Additional Resources

If you see evidence of PRICE GOUGING, the Utah Attorney General’s Office wants you to report it. Common items in question include toilet paper, water, hand sanitizer, certain household cleaners, and even cold medicine and baby formula. Authorities are asking anyone who sees price gouging to report it to the Utah Division of Consumer Protection at 801-530-6601 or 800-721-7233. The division can also be reached by email at consumerprotection@utah.gov.