Utah is now facing its most dire episode yet in this epidemic. Our infections are at an all-time high. Although Utah has one of the lowest mortality rates in the country, the dramatic increase in infection puts the integrity of our health care system at risk. Over the past four weeks, we have seen our infection rates and case counts skyrocket to the highest they have ever been. Our case counts have hovered around 1,000 per day. Our percent positivity is now over 13%.

To slow the spread of the pandemic, we MUST live differently. Many are carefully complying with the #StaySafe, #StayHome directive. Many others, however, might believe that they are obeying the directive, while making convenient exceptions here and there. Let me be clear about what is expected and required of us all, if we want to slow the spread of COVID-19.