SALTMER CITY – The number of COVID-19 cases in Utah has stabilized over the past month after steady decline. Doctors from the University of Utah Health said there are also early signs in the data that we are likely to see another increase in new cases. But at the moment, they believe the vaccines could stop the virus.
“We totally expect cases to go up. Hopefully not to the extent we’ve seen in Michigan and other states, because Utah is doing such an excellent job with vaccinations,” said Dr. Russell Vinik, University of Utah Health, said. Chief Medical Officer
The U or U Health COVID-19 test clinic on Redwood Road has seen an increase in cases in recent weeks. In general, the numbers are few. But Vinik calls it an early indication that we may have a rise. It is a district on the west side with a larger number of Spanish inhabitants. During the pandemic, an increase in cases usually indicated an increase elsewhere.
The data also show an increase in COVID-19 in the counties of Weber, Morgan, Davis and Wasatch.
Vinik said the increase could be attributed to the British variant, which now accounts for 40% of new cases in the University of Utah hospital system.
“The percentage of people who come in symptomatically and test positive is starting to creep up,” the doctor said. “This is usually the first sign we see before we start seeing more and more cases, and a higher percentage of people are getting positive.”
The virus remains opportunistic in its never-ending search for a new host.
“It just wants to find the next person to jump on. It does not matter. If one area sees an acceleration of cases, it is likely that it will spread to other people,” said Erin Clouse, MPH. strategic engagement manager for You or Your Health.
Fortunately, more than 50% of 16-year-olds have been vaccinated in Utahns and are still growing.
As the race between the variants and the vaccines unfolds, what prevents Utah from a boom like the one they see in Michigan?
Vinik says that a larger percentage of Utahns have been exposed to the virus, which provides protection, and: ‘We could have vaccinated many more people, and if the boom does come, it will be later than we had it. more of our population has been vaccinated, ‘Vinik said.
Therefore, they call on Utahns to continue preventing the virus and to be vaccinated.
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Jed Boal