Researcher says Utah's record COVID-19 surge likely due to a number of factors

(KUTV) — According to data gathered by the New York Times and The Washington Post, Utah is near the top of the list of states with the highest daily average of new COVID-19 cases on a per capita basis.

Dr. Stephen Goldstein, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Utah, said Utah’s spot on that list is likely due to a number of factors, including vaccine rates, mask usage and social behaviors.

ALSO: CDC recommends schools cancel football, band due to COVID-19 surge

“Vaccines are not as effective against omicron as they were against previous variants, but they still help,” Goldstein said. “Utah is certainly not in the highest rates among states in the U.S. The use of masks, and especially high-quality masks, is quite effective at somewhat reducing transmission of this virus and that’s not been, just based on my personal observations, a strong suit here in Utah over the last few months.”

Goldstein also said a larger number of people in Utah are likely attending more social gatherings, allowing for higher transmission rates.

“People to a large extent are going about their daily lives as they normally would,” he said.

Goldstein added that a stronger response from elected leaders, at the local and state levels, could help slow transmission rates. He also says that even though he's a University of Utah employee, he's speaking about the government response as a private citizen, and not a university representative.

ALSO: Navajo increases ability to do COVID testing, vaccinations

“I mean, the counties that have tried to be the most aggressive with this are probably Salt Lake and Summit counties with instituting mask mandates,” Goldstein said. “I think even they could still do a better job of communicating that mask quality matters as well. At the state level, no, I don’t think the leadership has been very good. I think they’ve basically said 'this is what it is and there’s nothing we can do about it.'”

KUTV reached out to Governor Spencer Cox’s office to ask about leadership during the pandemic. A spokesperson referred back to Cox’s remarks at a press conference Friday, when Cox repeatedly stressed the importance of vaccinations, boosters, and masks. However, Cox has not been a strong supporter of mandates and has said it’s up to Utahns to make the best decisions for themselves.