State Epidemiologist Speaks With Utah State Board of Education on Coronavirus Surge

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Coronavirus Pandemic and it’s impact on the upcoming school year was a top discussion at the Utah State Board of Education Meeting on Thursday.

Dr. Leisha Nolen, the state Epidemiologist with the Utah Department of Health, told the school board Utah is seeing COVID-19 cases increase in school-aged children, largely because of the Delta variant. Currently, Utah has double the number of cases per day for children, compared to 2020. Dr. Nolen explained that modeling suggests that by October, the case count in children from kindergarten through high school could stay the same, or quadruple.

Dr. Nolen went on to say the health department shares a goal with educators to keep children healthy and in school, while slowing the spread of COVID-19.

“If parents want to know the best way to protect their kids, that’s what we wanted to put up front on our website,” said Dr. Nolen. “So that’s what that beginning is: The best information we have. The best thing to do is get vaccinated. The second best is to wear a mask.

Dr. Nolen said they are trying to minimize the burden on schools and give parents choices while also protecting health. The school board ask Dr. Nolen questions about quarantine recommendations in the event of a possible exposure. Those options range from staying home, to wearing a mask at school for 10 days, but the approach will vary across the state.

Ultimately, it is up to local health officials and school districts to figure out plans for their areas.