St. George • Health officials have counted 25 new COVID-19 cases in southwestern Utah on Wednesday, the highest single-day increase in the region since daily counts started in March.
The Southwestern Utah Public Health Department released a report that said the region has been averaging about 11 new daily cases this month, The Spectrum reported Thursday.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death. The vast majority of people recover.
“In Utah, we have a 99% recovery rate for those infected with COVID-19," district health officer David Blodgett said.
There have been about 360 positive COVID-19 cases in the region, with four deaths, health officials said. More than 200 of those people have recovered, meaning at least three weeks have passed since they were diagnosed.
Residents have been urged to continue practicing good personal hygiene and follow social distancing guidelines.
“We hope to see our case rates decrease in the near future as we continue social distancing, which remains our most important effort in dealing with the virus and keeping our vulnerable residents safe,” Blodgett said.