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The Utah Department of Health on Wednesday reported 7,247 new coronavirus cases — the most cases ever reported in a single day throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Omicron has changed the landscape since its arrival last month,” the Health Department stated in a news release, referencing the rapidly spreading coronavirus variant. “The number of cases we are reporting today is more than the total number of cases we reported over the first 68 days of the pandemic, combined.”
Previously, Utah’s single-day record of new cases fell on Dec. 30, 2020, when 4,706 new coronavirus cases were reported. That’s 2,541 fewer cases than reported Wednesday.
The rolling seven-day average of new coronavirus cases also now stands at 4,317 — which, for the second day in a row, set a record. The seven-day average on Tuesday was 3,754.
“Unfortunately, we can expect numbers this high and possibly higher for the next few weeks as Omicron sweeps through our community,” said state epidemiologist Dr. Leisha Nolen.
In a statement, the Health Department advised: “We have the tools to combat Omicron, but they don’t work if people won’t use them.”
Nolen urged Utahns who have put off getting vaccinated or boosted to get the shots to act.
“Our hospitals are already stretched well beyond their capacity and are canceling procedures. Please, go get your shot!” Nolen said in a statement. “Think about your plans and minimize your exposure to others and when you can’t, put on that mask!”
The state Health Department on Wednesday also confirmed 44 more COVID-19 deaths. Twenty-three of those deaths occurred before Dec. 1 and were only recently confirmed to have been caused by the coronavirus after further testing. The remainder — 21 deaths — were reported in the last day.
UDOH reported Wednesday that 91.3% of all ICU beds in Utah and 94.3% of ICU beds in larger medical centers throughout the state are occupied. (Hospitals consider any figure over 85% to be functionally full.) Of all ICU patients, 38% are being treated for COVID-19.
“Vaccinations and boosters have been shown to reduce cases, hospitalizations, and deaths,” the Health Department advised. :They are the most important thing you can do to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community.”
Find where to get tested at coronavirus.utah.gov/utah-covid-19-testing-locations.
Find where to get vaccinated at coronavirus.utah.gov/vaccine-distribution.
— This story is developing and will be updated.
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