Utah Department of Health

The arrival of the Delta variant in Utah has led to a rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 cases this summer. Numbers started to spike just as Utah’s new state epidemiologist, Dr. Leisha Nolen, assumed the position in early July. Nolen is well versed in the virus though. She has worked for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Alaska and was one of the first responders in Seattle when COVID-19 was initially identified at a nursing home.

COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Utah are higher now than they were a year ago even though vaccines are widely available. Public health officials say the Delta variant is to blame.

The latest Utah news from Friday, June 6, 2021.

The latest Utah news from Thursday evening, June 3, 2021.

Utah’s seven -day average for vaccine doses administered has fallen by about 23% over the last week and a half, suggesting interest in getting the shot is starting to wane.

The latest Utah news from Tuesday evening, March 23, 2021.

The Kane County Commissioners have issued a statement that masks aren’t required in the county.

A recent COVID-19 outbreak at the Kane County jail has infected 80% of inmates. County commissioners are asking the state not to include inmate cases in their transmission designation.

Some local health departments have reported vaccine appointments going unfilled. But after the state recently opened up eligibility to more Utahns, appointments are picking up again.

Gov. Spencer Cox said he’ll sign a bill to end the statewide mask mandate in early April. County councils and commissions have the option to pass their own.

Utah’s cases of COVID-19 have been falling over the last few weeks. It’s not clear exactly what’s causing the drop, but health officials are hopeful it will continue.

The latest Utah news from Tuesday evening, February 9, 2021.