Over 1,800 new cases reported, over 6,500 vaccines administered

On Monday, December 21, the Utah Department of Health reported a daily total of 1,819 additional cases of COVID-19 and 6 more deaths. A total of 252,783 Utahns have tested positive for COVID-19.

The state reported 1,648,918 people tested to date. This is an increase of 6,359 people tested from yesterday.

Utah is currently in Phase 1 of vaccine distribution. The state reports that 25,000 vaccines shipped and 6,519 vaccines have been administered.

There are 551 people currently hospitalized with COVID-19. Total hospitalizations from the beginning of the outbreak are 10,102.

Utah Department of Health is reporting 1,161 total deaths.

• Male, between 65-84, Weber County resident, long-term care facility resident
• Male, between 65-84, Salt Lake County resident, hospitalized at time of death
• Female, older than 85, Salt Lake County resident, hospitalized at time of death
• Male, between 25-44, Salt Lake County resident, hospitalized at time of death
• Male, between 65-84, Washington County resident, hospitalized at time of death
• Male, between 45-64, Washington County resident, hospitalized at time of death

The COVID-19 Transmission Index is a balanced approach intended to protect communities. It represents the collaborative work of state and local public health officials, the Governor’s Office, legislative leaders, the hospital industry, and business leaders.

The transmission index clarifies the public health metrics used to determine which counties are placed in which transmission level. Counties will be placed in one of three transmission levels: High, Moderate, or Low. These levels correspond directly to case rates, positivity rates, and ICU utilization.

Data will be analyzed weekly; counties will be placed into a transmission level depending solely on what information their data shows. Changes from a lower level to a higher level may occur weekly. Changes from a higher level to a lower level may occur every 14 days at a minimum when thresholds are met.