Wasatch County Health Department has announced a positive test result of COVID-19 for a student at Wasatch High School. It also appears to be transmitted locally, known as “community spread.”
This is the first case of COVID-19 in the county, said Randall Probst, health department director. For patient privacy and in compliance with HIPPA law and FERPA law, no further information will be released regarding the student’s demographics.
The Wasatch County Health Department is working with Wasatch County School District to provide instructions to anyone who may have been in close contact with the confirmed case. The health department and school district are instructing students and staff at Wasatch High School to quarantine at home until March 25, 2020, two weeks from the last possible exposure, and monitor themselves for symptoms throughout that time. Family members of high school students and staff do not need to quarantine unless the student or staff member becomes symptomatic. Symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, fever over 100° F, and shortness of breath.
Quarantine at home means the students and staff of Wasatch High School should not leave home for any reason, except when advised by their health care provider to seek medical care in person. They should not go to work, school, or any public place, including stores, malls, theatres, restaurants, or any other retail establishment. They should also not visit family or friends or have any visitors at home.
Testing is available in the county, Probst said, but anybody concerned about whether they have the virus should first call their health care provider or use Telehealth before coming to the hospital. Tests are only given with a a doctor recommendation.
The health department asks those concerned that they or someone they know may have COVID-19 follow these steps.
- Stay home from work, school and all public spaces. Call the Utah Coronavirus Information line at 1-800-456-7707 for an assessment.
- If the assessment determines that care is required, contact your established healthcare provider by phone or telehealth for medical evaluation and further instructions. Prior to visiting Heber Valley Hospital, please call 435-657-4500. This process ensures protection for both patients and caregivers.
- Follow the directions of the healthcare provider. You may be instructed to remain isolated at home for a period of time. If this is a life-threatening situation please call 911 or go directly to the Emergency Room. The hospital has asked the public to please call the emergency department if you have respiratory or flu like symptoms before arriving so they can be prepared to prevent any possible spread of disease.
The health department also recommends that the potentially affected households clean frequently touched surfaces in their homes every day. This includes counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.
If a potentially affected household notices symptoms in anyone in their home, they should isolate the ill person away from other members of the household and contact a health care provider via telephone or a telemedicine app. Do not seek medical care in person without first contacting the medical facility in advance to receive instructions.
Most people infected with COVID-19 experience only mild illness. People over the age of 60 and those with other health concerns are more likely to develop serious illness.
If you have questions about COVID-19, contact the Utah COVID-19 Information Line at 1-800-456-7707. You can view the original news release on the county health department website.
Photo: Fox 13.