Wasatch County recorded another COVID-19 death on Friday. The county has now seen 26 deaths from the disease since the start of the pandemic.
A man between the ages of 45 and 64 was identified as Wasatch County’s 26th COVID-19 fatality on Friday. 20 other Utah deaths were also reported, bringing the statewide death toll to 2,724.
The exact dates of death were not disclosed by the Utah Department of Health. Wasatch County Health Department public information officer and epidemiologist Chris Smoot told KPCW that as of Friday morning, there are no Wasatch County residents currently hospitalized with COVID-19.
“Unfortunately, we have seen hospitalizations, but fortunately, right now, we don’t have any Wasatch County residents hospitalized with COVID-19, which is a good thing,” said Smoot. “We’re glad for that, but that’s unfortunately not the case for the rest of the state.”
Statewide, 529 people were reported to be hospitalized with the disease on Friday. 2,189 new cases were also reported, the highest single-day count since January 21st. Statewide cases have steadily risen since early June. Wasatch County also reported 14 new cases.
Vaccination rates in the Wasatch Back are on par with, and even outperforming statewide numbers. According to the state health department, just over 62% of eligible Utahns over the age of 12 are fully vaccinated. Summit County is at 82% and Smoot said Wasatch County is sitting at just over 60%.
“If you look at our numbers versus state numbers, we’re in the top third, I believe, of the health districts and counties as far as vaccination rates,” he said. “Still room to grow, but we understand this is a very personal decision and we want people to make educated decisions regarding their health. We do recommend vaccination, but we understand people should have that chance to consult with their healthcare provider and make the best choice for them.”
Smoot said the lowest vaccination rates in Wasatch County are among children between the ages of 12 and 18, with about 53% having received at least one dose. He added the older the age group, the more people are vaccinated.
Currently, health districts rural and southern Utah have the lowest percentage of vaccinated people in the state.
Unvaccinated people can contact a trusted healthcare provider for more information on the vaccine and find a free vaccination location at vaccines.gov.
