Utah Governor Considers Mask Order in Coronavirus Rise

Salt Lake City (AP)-Utah Governor Gary Herbert is considering delegating masks across the state on Thursday to expand coronavirus testing in response to what is called a surge in infections in the state. Announced that it is planning.

In the last two weeks, the moving average of new coronavirus cases per day in Utah has increased by about 54%, according to state data. The rolling 7-day average for the positive test is 661 per day, from 381 per day last week.

“We take this spike and its size very seriously,” Herbert told reporters.

Republican Herbert has asked residents to wear masks for several months, but has not yet fulfilled state-wide mask obligations. Instead, he allowed the county to decide if a ban was necessary.

He said an expanded coronavirus test would be given to anyone who wants it, not just those who have symptoms.

According to Dr. Eddie Stenehjem, an infectious disease specialist at Intermountain Healthcare Hospital, the surge in new virus incidents is likely due to high schools and colleges resuming face-to-face learning, which could lead to more hospitalizations for older people in the coming weeks. It is said that there is sex. A network based in Salt Lake City.

“If we don’t do something, we can’t expect another result,” Stenehem said. “You can’t just expect this to get better.”

Hospitalizations in the state have declined since July and have recently leveled off. But Stenehem said he was worried that young people would spread the virus to their parents and grandparents.

Two Utah high schools, with more than 15 cases infected between students and staff, recently decided to ignore state guidelines recommending that schools that reach that number of cases be closed for two weeks and switched to virtual learning. Did.

Many of the new cases are caused by college students in Utah County, where Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University are located, state health officials said.

State epidemiologist Dr. Angela Dan said 40% of new virus cases this week were reported in Utah County, which accounts for 20% of the state’s population.

The county does not have a face covering authority outside the city of Provo.

According to state data, 60,000 viruses have been reported in Utah, killing 437 people.

The number of infections is believed to be much higher, as many people have not been tested, and studies suggest that people can be infected with the virus without offending.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms such as fever and cough, which go away in a few weeks. For some people, especially the elderly and those with existing health problems, it can cause more serious illnesses such as pneumonia and death.

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Sophia Epolito is a corps member of the AP Press / Report America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a non-profit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on unreported issues.

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