Wasatch County Health Department (WCHD) is announcing the first positive test result of COVID-19 in
Wasatch County. The patient is a student at Wasatch High School. For patient privacy and in compliance
with HIPPA law and FERPA law, no further information will be released regarding the student’s
demographics.
“This is our first case of COVID-19 in Wasatch County,” states Randall Probst, Director of the Wasatch
County Health Department. “It appears that this case is the result of local transmission.”
The Wasatch County Health Department is working with Wasatch County School District to provide
instructions to anyone who may have been in close contact with the confirmed case. The health
department and school district are instructing students and staff at Wasatch High School to quarantine at
home until March 25, 2020, two weeks from the last possible exposure, and monitor themselves for
symptoms throughout that time. Family members of high school students and staff do not need to
quarantine unless the student or staff member becomes symptomatic. Symptoms of COVID-19 include
cough, fever over 100° F, and shortness of breath.
Quarantine at home means the students and staff of Wasatch High School should not leave home
for ANY reason, except when advised by their health care provider to seek medical care in person. They
should not go to work, school, or any public place, including stores, malls, theatres, restaurants, or any
other retail establishment. They should also not visit family or friends or have any visitors at home.
“There have been quite a few questions around whether testing is available in Wasatch County,” mentions
Probst. “The answer is yes! However, rather than just show up at the hospital we ask that you follow
processes to minimize spread of the virus.”
The health department asks those concerned that they or someone they know may have COVID-19 follow
these steps.
Stay home from work, school and all public spaces. Call the Utah Coronavirus Information line at
1-800-456-7707 for an assessment.
If the assessment determines that care is required, contact your established healthcare provider by
phone or telehealth for medical evaluation and further instructions. Prior to visiting Heber Valley
Hospital, please call 435-657-4500. This process ensures protection for both patients and
caregivers.
Follow the directions of the healthcare provider. You may be instructed to remain isolated at
home for a period of time. If this is a life-threatening situation please call 911 or go directly to the
Emergency Room. The hospital has asked the public to please call the emergency department if
you have respiratory or flu like symptoms before arriving so they can be prepared to prevent any
possible spread of disease.
The health department also recommends that the potentially affected households clean frequently touched
surfaces in their homes every day; this includes counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets,
phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.
If a potentially affected household notices symptoms in anyone in their home, they should isolate the ill
person away from other members of the household and contact a health care provider via telephone or a
telemedicine app. Do not seek medical care in person without first contacting the medical facility in
advance to receive instructions.
Most people infected with COVID-19 experience only mild illness. People over the age of 60 and those
with other health concerns are more likely to develop serious illness.
If you have questions about COVID-19, contact the Utah COVID-19 Information Line at 1-800-456-
7707. You may also visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov/covid19, the
State of Utah COVID-19 website at coronavirus.utah.gov, or the Wasatch County website at
coronavirus.wasatch.utah.gov.
