Update - June 17, 2020
- Jan 24, 2023
- 3 min read
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As I mentioned last week, things have been challenging in our state over the last few months. It is extremely difficult balancing the physical and economic health of a state. Health experts, economic advisors and elected officials have been reviewing data to make recommendations. The idea is to protect the vulnerable population and allow the state to continue to transition health risk phases and stay open. These decisions are made using information like hospital utilization rates, the transmission rate and rate of community spread, as well as new insights about high-risk populations. Included below is updated information regarding the three key data factors.
Hospital Utilization Rate
As of June 10, ICU beds occupied by COVID-19 patients in Utah have averaged 11 percent of total capacity for the last 30 days. Hospital bed utilization is a primary indicator of the strain on the state’s healthcare capacity.
The graph below shows Utah’s ICU capacity from May 14 through June 10.
Transmission Rate and Community Spread
A transmission rate at or near 1:1 for 7-14 consecutive days indicates an adequate level of stability. As of June 6, the transmission rate in Utah has averaged 1.13 for the past 48 days.
As of June 8, the spread of the COVID-19 from known sources has been at 85 percent or greater for the past four weeks. The majority of known spread (58 percent) is from household members. Spread from known contacts above 60 percent is an indicator of stability and low levels of community spread.
Of those tested for COVID-19, only about 7 percent test positive. The graph below shows the number of COVID-19’s positive and negative tests from May 14 to June 10.
State Data (as of June 17th)
Total Cases: 15,344
Total People Tested: 278,692
Total Hospitalizations: 1,102
Total Deaths: 149
Estimated Recovered: 8,552
Utah County Dept Health
Total Cases: 2,711
Total Tested: 49,751
Hospitalizations: 142
Deaths: 19
Estimated Recovered: 1700
Additional Updates:
The Utah Board of Education approved a timeline and process for clarifying and establishing minimum requirements for K-12 schools to operate under the Utah Leads Together plan this fall. The Board is planning to use part of their federal funding to purchase protective equipment, thermometers and cleaning supplies for schools. The Board also reviewed budget-reduction scenarios. Read the full summaries here and here.
Garth Brooks will host drive-in concerts throughout the country, including in Utah. Tickets go on sale on Friday, June 19. Learn more here.
The 2020 Census is still happening and takes less than five minutes to complete. Please respond here.
Primary elections are here. Make sure your voice heard. Visit vote.utah.gov for more details.
In the News
I Look Forward to Hearing From You!
I'll try to continually keep you informed about my work on the Hill – likewise, please keep in touch – I’d love to hear your insights and opinions.
I can be reached by email at dmccay@le.utah.gov. You’re also welcome to join me at the Capitol and if you’d like to meet with me in person outside of interim or the legislative session, you can reach Jason Gould at jgould@le.utah.gov. He’ll help us get in touch.
I’m truly grateful for the opportunity you’ve given me to serve in this capacity. We live in a unique and special place. Thank you for all you do to make Utah the best state in the nation – and thanks for paying attention.
Until next time,
Senator Dan McCay
Utah Senate District 11
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