Summit County, Utah (July 29, 2020) — Data collected by the Utah Department of Health and the Summit County Health Department indicate a recent downward trend in COVID-19 cases. This decline correlates with the adoption of Summit County’s mandatory face-covering order on June 26.
Statistical analyses were conducted to determine if the decline in new COVID-19 cases, beginning on July 10 and continuing through July 27, was significantly different than the decline observed state-wide during the same period. Findings indicate that the rate and magnitude of decline in new cases was significantly greater in Summit County than was observed state-wide (p=0.0002).
“We are encouraged by the results we’ve seen in the last ten days,” Summit County Council Chair Doug Clyde said. “Our situation at the end of June was extremely troubling but thanks to our residents and businesses, we have turned the corner. We hope to hold this course by continuing to properly wear masks and only gathering when and where it is safe and smart to do so.”
As illustrated in the accompanying graphics, daily cases increased in the two-week period of June 27 – July 11 and then began to plateau. Following the two- week incubation period after July 4, a consistent decline in new cases began, aside from a single-day spike.
“The data are clear: wearing a face covering decreases the spread of COVID-19 in our communities,” Summit County Health Director Dr. Rich Bullough said. “Our economic and health outlook for the fall and winter is much more favorable if we can maintain this trend through community effort. We are hopeful these data encourage our residents and visitors to remain vigilant in wearing face coverings. Their efforts are clearly paying off.”
For current information on Summit County’s COVID-19 outlook, visit https://summitcountyhealth.org/coronavirus/. At this website, the public can find a data dashboard, local information and community resources updated regularly as the pandemic situation evolves.
