New COVID index for state of Utah
The state of Utah released new COVID-19 guidelines on Oct.13. The state also released a new index for measuring transmission rates and got rid of the color-coded guidelines.
The day that Utah Gov. Gary Herbert released the new guidelines, there were 987 new cases; case counts have been hovering around 1,000 a day in Utah since Oct. 4.
In his press conference on Oct. 13, Herbert said, “I, like you, am tired of 2020. I’m tired of emergencies and social distancing, of the loneliness, the anxiety and the worry that each of us face. Especially the heartbreak and loss this virus has afflicted on families who have lost loved ones. But Utah is now facing its most dire episode yet in this epidemic, and frankly it doesn’t matter how tired we are. We must in fact win this fight.”
Utah is having one of the worst outbreaks in the country, according to the governor. This new plan is based on critical health data, not fear, he said. The new system will provide trusted guidance based on epidemiology and medical science.
Every week the Utah Department of Health will analyze three key data points for each county. Based on that data, the county will automatically be categorized as a high, moderate or low transmission area.
Utah Health Guidance Levels:
High Transmission Level: Must be greater than 13% seven day average percent positivity, have greater than 325 cases per 100,000 population, greater than 72% statewide ICU utilization and greater than 15% COVID-19 ICU utilization.
Moderate Transmission Level: Must be greater than 6-12.9% seven day average percent positivity, have greater than 100-324 cases per 100,000 population, greater than 69-71.9% statewide ICU utilization and greater than 6-14.9% COVID-19 ICU utilization.
Low Transmission Level: Must be less than 5.9% seven day average percent positivity, have less than 100 cases per 100,000 population, less than 68.9% statewide ICU utilization and less than 5.9% COVID-19 ICU utilization.
Masks are required across all transmission levels at large gatherings.
High :Required indoor and outdoor when social distancing is not possible.
Moderate or Low: Still strongly encouraged.
Casual social gatherings:
High: 10 or fewer people permitted to gather.
Moderate: 25 or fewer people permitted unless masks are worn.
Low: 50 or fewer people permitted unless masks are worn.
Public gatherings:
High: Limited by ability to social distance between households but masks must be worn. Local officials are allowed to make exemptions but are highly discouraged from doing so.
Moderate: Must wear masks and a 6 feet distance between households must be maintained.
Low: Masks required for all patrons, spectators and guests. A 6 feet distance is encouraged but not required.
This guidance system is based on a calculated amount of infection and transmission that happens in communities. It provides Utahns with concrete actions to help stem the spread.
kellie.christensen@aggiemail.usu.edu