As active of cases of COVID-19 and local hospitalizations increase, area health experts have issued a message for the Uintah Basin community. “With unvalidated sources of information reporting viewpoints that are oppositional to the medical experts and scientists leading the charge against COVID-19, it is imperative that as a community we adhere to guidance provided by our state and local health departments,” shares the statement from TriCounty Health Department, Uintah Basin Healthcare, and Ashley Regional Medical Center. “We emphasize that our current green (low-risk) phase according to Utah’s health guidance system does not mean that the infection risk is gone. It simply means that responsibility has shifted to our community.” The Utah Department of Health has reported that the state has approximately 31,000 COVID-19 cases, 2,000 hospitalizations, and 250 deaths. While our area has been sheltered compared to other Utah counties, the tri-county area numbers are increasing and health leaders believe it will continue to do so. “As Uintah Basin Healthcare and Ashley Regional Medical Center work to conserve personal protective equipment (PPE) and remain adequately prepared with testing supplies and needed staff, we ask for your support to help us crush the curve,” their statement continues. Their suggested guidelines for the community include the following: Cover coughs and sneezes. Wash hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available. Avoid crowds. Restrict non-essential travel outside the Uintah Basin. Social distance. And wear a face covering in public. To view the entire statement, visit the TriCounty Health Department Facebook page.
