Local health and government officials are pleading with the public, particularly in Duchesne County, to take immediate action to stop the spread of COVID-19 as the area experiences a surge of hospitalizations. Duchesne County is currently reporting the highest COVID-19 case rate in the state of Utah and residents are asked to wear masks in public and please stay home if sick. “Despite what your position may be on protective measures, this is the moment when, as your local hospital, we sincerely encourage you to do your part to slow the spread of this disease,” shared Dr. Greg Staker, Chief Medical Officer for Uintah Basin Healthcare. “We are tired. You are tired. Our facility is facing critical shortages and we need your help.” Uintah Basin Healthcare is averaging three to four COVID inpatients per week, with a significant uptick beginning last week. Our hospital’s capacity for COVID patients is two in ICU and six in Med Surg. As of August 31st, Uintah Basin Healthcare had two in ICU and four in Med Surg. Uintah Basin Healthcare has seen 135 COVID patients in the ER in the month of August alone. Duchesne County Commissioners Todd, Hansen, and Miles have also joined Uintah Basin Healthcare and TriCounty Health in asking the communities in Duchesne County to pull together and work together to protect each other.
