Vernal, UT June 11, 2021 – The tri-county area is experiencing a rise in COVID-19 positive cases, having had 83 new cases between June 6 and June 11, 2021. This increase is significant when compared to previous weeks. Between May 30 and June 5, 2021, the tri-county area had 41 new cases in the seven day timeframe. May 23 to May 29, 2021 there were 37 new COVID-19 cases.
TriCounty Health Department (TCHD) and local medical providers, remind the public that vaccines prevent person-to-person spread of viruses and vaccinating against COVID-19 is proven to prevent person-to-person spread of COVID-19 and has proven to prevent 99% of hospitalizations.
“We are seeing an uptick in COVID-19 patients being admitted to the hospital. All of the current individuals that have tested positive did not receive the vaccine,” stated Greg Gardiner, Chief Clinical Officer at Ashley Regional Medical Center. “Although this is a small number who have had more severe illness with COVID-19 compared to those who have done well, we’d like to remind the community that it is all of our responsibility to protect our family, our neighbors, our coworkers and our community. The vaccine works. If you have not received the vaccine, please reconsider. Let’s get to herd immunity the safest way possible.”
COVID-19 vaccination rates in the tri-county area are alarmingly low, with a total of 27 percent vaccinated in the eligible population (12 years old and older).
“At our current low vaccination rates, I expect to see continued outbreaks. I ask all community members who have been waiting to get vaccinated to stop delaying and get vaccinated this week. We can end this pandemic right now and enjoy a summer without masks and without worry if we all do this together,” TriCounty Health Officer, Kirk Benge, said.
TCHD’s last planned COVID Drive thru vaccine event will take place on Saturday, June 12, 2021. Duchesne High School (9-11am); Roosevelt USU Campus (1-3pm); Vernal TriCounty Health Department (1-3pm) All persons over the age of 12 are welcome.
TCHD continues to offer vaccinations Monday through Friday with Wednesday Pfizer days. Local pharmacies and physicians also have COVID-19 vaccines available.
# # #
TriCounty Health, Serving For Health