County resident living in Salt Lake City area tests positive for COVID-19 virus
The first San Juan County resident to test positive for COVID-19 has been diagnosed in the Salt Lake Valley. San Juan Public Health Department (SJPH) said the individual has been staying in the Salt Lake Valley for some period of time and does not plan to return to San Juan County until after the infectious period has concluded.
Officials state that the individual experienced travel-related exposure during their time in the Salt Lake Valley and has not been back to San Juan County since their exposure or during their illness.
Due to privacy laws, SJPH will not be releasing more identifying information about the infected individual.
Currently, there are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in any person physically residing in San Juan County. This case will be counted as occurring in the Salt Lake Valley for the time-being, but will likely be counted as a San Juan County case in the near future, in accordance with standard practice.
Public health officials urge the public to continue practicing social distancing, including:
• Do not gather in groups of more than ten people.
• If you are sick, stay home.
• Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face.
• Sneeze or cough into the inside of your elbow, and disinfect frequently used items and surfaces often.
• All nonessential travel is discouraged.
The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to seasonal influenza – namely: fever, cough, and fatigue. These symptoms on their own are not worrisome and should not cause alarm.
If symptoms get worse rapidly or you experience difficulty breathing, you should immediately notify your healthcare provider.
Screening in San Juan County is taking place at the Blanding Family Practice Clinic in Blanding.