SALT LAKE CITY — Potential spread of COVID-19 over the Fourth of July weekend concerns health experts. If current trends continue, they predict hospitals could be overwhelmed next month.
At Deer Creek State Park people escaped the heat Friday, but not the dangers of COVID-19.
“There are quite a few people here but not too much,” said Rafael Viccarra.
At Tibble Fork Reservoir up American Fork Canyon, the beach became so crowded Friday, it caught the attention of law enforcement.
Utah County Sheriff Sgt. Spencer Cannon predicts five times as many people will show up Saturday.
With many families coming together from different parts of the state this weekend, doctors are nervous.
“I’m worried. Just being honest,” said Intermountain Infectious Disease Dr. Todd Vento.
Utah’s daily COVID cases are three times higher than they were back in May. Hospitalization cases have doubled within a few weeks.
“It concerns me to watch the number of cases increasing because I know hospitalizations will follow and potentially deaths,” said Dr. Vento.
State Epidemiologist Angela Dunn tweeted Thursday that Utah experienced a COVID-19 surge after Memorial Day and state hospitals can’t handle another one.
So what can we do? The same advice we’ve been given, said Dr. Todd Vento. Celebrate away from other people, wear a face covering and wash hands often.
The largest group of people testing positive for COVID-19 are between the ages of 20 and 60.