Aug
05
We share cautious optimism that the impact of our own personal behavior—masking, social distance, hygiene, and staying home when sick—appear to be positively impacting Utah’s coronavirus trends. Positive cases, positivity rates and hospitalizations continue to decline across the state, though we need to remain vigilant in our efforts.
Jul
29
Utah’s declining case trends indicate that we may be seeing a leveling off of positive tests in our state. Our real-time reproductive number is currently tracking below one—a critical level that reduces the infection rate in Utah. These trends are important now as our system level and state level census approach their highest levels of the pandemic.
Jul
22
We recognize racism as a public health crisis and believe anti-Black racism is one major cause of health disparities that we observe in our society. U of U Health has established an Anti-Racism Commission that is coordinating efforts to advance our goals and improve our culture. Our initial focus is to support students in the School of Medicine MD program.
Jul
22
We have seen a few days of decreased new coronavirus cases—although our transmission rate continues to be high. Hospitalizations across the state continue to rise, but county-level data suggests that masking policies may be impacting new case numbers. Continue to practice masking, hygiene, and distancing measures.
Jul
21
In recent weeks, the legacy of racism in the United States has been at the forefront of the national consciousness. We must commit to using this moment in time to listen, learn, and develop new ways to act. As leaders of the largest academic health care institution in the Mountain West, we are in a position to leverage our influence to be a sponsor of positive change in our community and the region.
Jul
15
Our state has seen a steady rise in both the seven-day average of daily COVID positive cases and subsequent hospitalizations. Time delays in the different measures of this pandemic—patients with positive tests, those admitted to the hospital, and unfortunate deaths—can be challenging to interpret, but we continue to watch these measures carefully, and emphasize the importance of everyone wearing face masks and face coverings.
Jul
10
We are living through a period of increased emotional strain and mental health disruptions. Providers note an increase in reports of stress, anxiety, fear, and suicidal thoughts even among people with no prior psychiatric history. Kristin Francis, MD, provides wellness tips and behavioral techniques for actively building resilience.
Jul
08
Current averages indicate that more Utahns are testing positive for coronavirus every day, with about 12,000 active cases across the state. Hospitalization of COVID-19 patients continues to rise in Utah although at a lower rate than the increase in cases. Masking, handwashing, and physical distancing continue to be our best measures for slowing the spread of the virus.
Jul
06
The challenge we face begins with culture change and requires more than merely being non-racist. Our daily behaviors need to mirror our anti-racist aspirations.
This blog reserves the right to edit and/or remove comments that are off topic, highly offensive, disclose personal health information, or disclose other protected information about an employee, patient, or business agreement at the University of Utah. Technical questions about the blog should be directed to vickie.king@hsc.utah.edu.
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