As case numbers continue to decline (), we have been researching our lower testing numbers (). Every test partner is reporting significant declines in demand for testing. The good news is that other signs are all pointing to decreased spread of the virus. 1/

First the reports. Salt Lake County reports a 20% reduction in demand. TestUtah 15-20% (although less in Utah Co.) Steward 30%. IHC says collections have dropped to the same levels as June 14th (prior to recent surge). So, is this good or bad news? 2/

As I mentioned last week, hospitalizations continue to drop which is one of the best lag measures of reduced transmissions. Our healthcare workers need a break, and this shows we are heading in the right direction. 3/

Another important measure is the number of people that go to emergency rooms or outpatient clinics for Covid-like illnesses. As you can see from this chart, those numbers are decreasing too. 4/

Maybe the best news is that we are seeing fewer new cases associated with long-term care facilities. Because almost half our deaths happen in LTC’s, lowering community spread will save many lives. 5/

Importantly, we have also looked for similar patterns in other states. For those that have had summer surges, decreased test numbers seem to be common as case numbers decrease. Arizona is great example: 6/

But what about positivity rates? The WHO in April set 10% as the threshold for sufficient testing. We would prefer closer to 5%. Our positivity rate has been steady between 9%-10% since 6/15. Today it was 7.9%... 7/

While 3 weeks ago we had long lines at testing facilities and backlogs in our labs, that is no longer true. I toured our state lab today and they continue to automate processes and increase capacity...with NO backlogs. 8/

So if you have any symptoms, please get tested. And just know that you are making a difference and slowing the virus. Masks, physical distancing, washing hands and staying home when you are sick, it’s working. Thank you for your sacrifices...let’s keep going! /end