Utahns urged to stay vigilant as COVID-19 cases surge and rashes emerge in children

COVID-19 indicators in Utah, including case counts, hospitalizations, and emergency room visits, are increasing ahead of the Labor Day weekend. The seven-day average case count rose by 18% over the past week, while hospitalizations increased by 32%. Wastewater testing shows rising levels in nearly 9% of sewage treatment plants, with almost 47% at a "level of potential concern." Two additional deaths have been reported, bringing Utah's death toll to 5,415. National numbers are also rising, with hospital admissions and deaths increasing in the U.S. Experts recommend following familiar precautions, such as staying home when sick, washing hands frequently, and covering coughs and sneezes. Some experts suggest additional precautions, including wearing masks, as a newer variant of the virus may be better at infecting vaccinated or previously infected individuals.