VIDEO: The state health department issued new coronavirus numbers Monday, along with a warning about a surge in cases in Utah County, which is 20% of the state’s population but accounts for 39% of cases since Friday.
“This trend is being driven, in large part, by an increase in cases among college-aged young adults in Utah County,” said Dr. Angela Dunn, state epidemiologist.
The Utah County Health Department confirmed that college students and others in the 14 to 24 age group have been attending off-campus parties where social distancing and face masks are scarce. Tolman-Hill said it’s “frustrating” to local health leaders that they have no authority to cite or shut down parties that violate health recommendations during the pandemic. So far, only Provo Fire Marshal Lynn Schofield’s office has shutdown one party.