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Coronavirus cases and COVID-19 deaths decrease, but hospitalizations remain high

More than 15,000 people received the vaccine Saturday.

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The number of daily COVID-19 infections and deaths took a dip on Saturday, as did hospitalizations, although the number of people in the intensive care unit with the disease went up slightly.

Vaccinations reported in past day/total vaccinations • 15,148 / 222,275.

Of those vaccinated, 27,542 have received both doses. Although Utah’s initial vaccination response has focused on health care workers and the elderly, 70 nursing homes and assisted living centers continue to have active outbreaks with infected residents, according to Utah Department of Health data. Nineteen of those outbreaks have more than 20 residents with COVID-19.

Cases reported in past day • 1,771, which is 878 fewer than Friday.

Deaths reported in past day • 11, although the Utah Department of Health reported that two of the deaths occurred before Dec. 31, 2020.

Four of the deaths were Salt Lake County residents: Two males over 85, a female between 65-84 and a male between 45-64.

Davis County saw two deaths, both males, one between 45-64 and one between 65-84.

Utah County also had two deaths, one male and one female over 85.

Duchesne County had one death, a female between 45-64, as did Sanpete County, a male between 65-84, and Washington County, a male between 65-84.

Hospitalizations reported in past day • 481. That’s down seven from Friday. Of those currently hospitalized, 196 are in intensive care units — four more than on Friday.

Tests reported in past day • 10,001.

Percentage of positive tests • 17.7%. This is lower than the seven-day average of 18.9%.

Totals to date • 334,889 cases; 1,582 deaths; 12,948 hospitalizations; 1,958,154 tests.