July 8, 2021
The pandemic is not over. After reviewing Tooele County specific data on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, Tooele County has been moved back to the HIGH level on the Transmission Index. Metrics show Tooele County with a 11.44% 7-day average percent of positive tests, a 179.91 per 100,000 14-day case rate, and a statewide ICU utilization of 77.0% of which 17.3% of those are COVID related. Two of the three metrics are in the high level of transmission on the index. Counties that meet at least two criteria for high, moderate, or low are be moved to that level. For example, if a county meets the “high” level criteria for the 7-day average percent positivity, the “moderate” level for the 14-day case rate, and the “high” for statewide ICU utilization, the county would be in the “high” transmission index level. Levels are determined by the 7-day average percent of positive tests, 14-day case rate per 100,000 people, and statewide ICU utilization. You can see the transmission index metrics here: coronavirus.utah.gov/utah-health-guidance-levels
Tooele County will be at the “high” level from July 8, 2021 – July 21, 2021, when new data will be released and analyzed. Changes to a county’s transmission index level occur on a seven-day cycle. The Utah Department of Health reviews data each Wednesday and announces changes on Thursdays. Changes from a lower transmission level to a higher transmission level may occur weekly. Changes from a higher transmission level to a lower transmission level may occur every 14 days at minimum, when thresholds are met.
With Tooele County being back at the “high” level we cannot stress enough the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine protects all of us. The vaccine is currently approved for people 12 and older and available widely. Everyone who is able should choose to get vaccinated for COVID-19. If you have questions about the vaccine, please talk to a healthcare provider. Nearly all COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths are in people who were not vaccinated. If you are not vaccinated, please consider wearing a mask, continuing to physical distance, wash your hands often, stay home when you are sick or test positive for COVID-19, and follow public health guidelines. Tooele County residents must take COVID-19 seriously and everyone must do their part.
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Tooele County moves from Moderate to High July 2021 Press Release