Harrison Epstein, Daily Herald

The Utah Department of Health reported 9,469 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, marking the state’s third consecutive day of record-breaking case numbers .

The health department also reported that 93.1% of all ICU beds in Utah and 94.8% of ICU beds in larger medical centers throughout the state are currently occupied. Of all ICU patients, 39.4% are being treated for COVID-19.

While a countywide mask order is in effect for Salt Lake County as of Saturday, but no such order has been announced for Utah County.

In light of these reports, the Utah County Health Department is urging residents to get vaccinated, get tested if need be and follow the latest state quarantine and isolation guidelines.

“Utah County Health Department, along with other Utah local Health Departments and State Health Department, is very concerned about the rapidly rising case county numbers,” Aislynn Tolman-Hill, public information officer for UCHD. “We continue to encourage vaccination, testing and following state quarantine and isolation guidelines.”

Harrison Epstein, Daily Herald

For those who have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms, the Utah County Health Department recommends checking the website http://Coronavirus.Utah.Gov for the latest testing information.

As the active COVID-19 case count has increased, so has the length of lines at testing sites across the state.

“Anyone seeking testing should be prepared for long lines right now. It’s possible your wait could be from 30 minutes to 4 hours,” stated a press release distributed by the Utah Department of Health. “We ask you to be patient and respectful of one another and our staff. If you are symptomatic and choose not to be tested, we recommend you stay home and away from others for 5 days after your symptoms started and you no longer have symptoms.”

Beginning Saturday, operations for state-sponsored testing sites will change.

Due to the high demand for testing, those wishing to get tested must arrive at a testing location at least one hour before closing. Cars will not be allowed to enter the testing line after this time. Some testing sites may provide at-home testing kits for those who arrive later than one hour before closing.

Testing at the Timpanogos Regional Hospital will be done by appointment only. Appointments can be made at http://testutah.com.

State-operated testing sites will no longer provide testing for those who need it for work or to attend an event. Testing for work or an event must be done at a non-state-sponsored testing site.

For those who are unable to make it to an in-person testing site, UCHD recommends the following options:

• Ask a friend or family member to pick up an at-home testing kit on your behalf.
• If you are an Intermountain Healthcare patient, Intermountain Healthcare is offering saliva test kits, which are available for pickup at many of their locations by visiting http://intermountainhealthcare.org/health-wellness-promotion/pandemics/covid/get-testing for more information.
• Call the Utah County COVID Help Line Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. at 801-851-4357, or contact the Utah Coronavirus Info Line at 1-800-456-7707 to discuss your options.

If you have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms and are unable to get tested as soon as possible, UCHD recommends isolating yourself from others until arrangements can be made for testing.

During this time of uncertainty and changing COVID-19 guidelines, UCHD recommends that Utah County residents gather information from credible sources, and treat others with respect regarding their own health decisions.

“Tools and tips for talking with family, friends, and community about misinformation include: listen, empathize, point to credible sources, don’t publicly shame, and use inclusive language,” Tolman-Hill said. “We suggest individuals use their best judgment as to whether or not engage with others who may be antagonizing them. Asking others to respect their decisions and using the same tips as noted for addressing misinformation may also be helpful.”

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