Southwest Utah Reports COVID-19-Related Death of Resident

The Southwest Utah Public Health Department (SWUPHD) is reporting the COVID-19-related death of a local resident. The woman, an older adult under the age of 60, passed away yesterday in a Salt Lake area hospital. She had significant underlying health conditions.

The patient had tested positive for COVID-19, and the SWUPHD is in contact with individuals who have been in close contact with her. They are being asked to quarantine or isolate while monitoring for fever and respiratory symptoms.

“We want to express our sympathy for this individual’s family and friends”, said Dr. David Blodgett, SWUPHD Health Officer. “We encourage our community to maintain social distancing in your daily activities and make the effort to protect our older or vulnerable residents.”

While most people who are infected with COVID-19 have mild symptoms and will fully recover, older adults and people with compromised immune systems are more at risk of serious illness and complications. Utah’s current ​State Public Health Order​ recommends that anyone over the age of 60 or who is immunocompromised should avoid contact with any other individual except to receive critical assistance. Everyone should avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips (other than shopping for food and other essentials), and social visits.

The symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, or shortness of breath. If someone has these symptoms and has been in close contact with a known positive COVID-19 case, that individual should immediately call their health care provider for guidance. People with questions about COVID-19, including testing, can call the Utah Coronavirus information line at ​1-800-456-7707​.