Parents create ‘Mom Code’ agreement to avoid testing their children for COVID-19 so schools can stay open in Utah - as Gov. Herbert reveals state cases are at an all-time high

A group Utah parents have reportedly created an unwritten agreement dubbed the 'mom code' to avoid getting their children tested for COVID-19, in a bid to keep schools open.

The concept was sparked by parents who were frustrated that positive tests from students could lead to schools being closed and extracurricular activities cancelled.

But the 'code' has been blasted by other parents and officials who say it will lead to the virus spreading further, and put more people at risk. 

Gov. Gary Herbert warned on Friday that cases are at an 'all-time high' in the state.

In Utah, officials have recorded 104,000 cases and 572 deaths from COVID-19 since the outbreak began. 

'Parents are saying, "let’s not test," just so they don’t have to worry about shutting down the sports teams,' Genevra Prothero, a parent in the Davis School District, told KUTV. 'I think that it is absolutely a disgrace.'

A group of parents in Davis County, Utah, have reportedly created a 'mom code' that centers around not testing their children for COVID-19

Pictured: One Facebook post obtained by KUTV showed on participant in the 'mom code' speaking out against testing 

The notion has reportedly popped up in parent Facebook groups in Davis County and other school districts.

'Please STOP getting tested!!! It is 100% unnecessary,' read one note obtained by KUTV.

'It is 100% unnecessary!! All it does is give the government and school district officials the power to control us.'

Another read: 'I think getting tested is selfish. Because of the fact that they contact trace everyone so one person leads to 30 people that have to quarantine or worse, programs like athletics etc. are shut down. 

'It’s mass hysteria cause one person came in contact with another person that had the sniffles and ran to get tested! Stop the testing Stop the Contact tracing.'

Facebook post: 'It’s mass hysteria cause one person came in contact with another person that had the sniffles and ran to get tested! Stop the testing Stop the Contact tracing!'

The revelation came as the Beehive State recently recorded a concerning uptick in COVID-19 rates.

'This is a record day for Utah — but not a good one,' said Gov. Gary Herbert on Friday.

'Cases of COVID-19 are at an all-time high, and I am deeply concerned that COVID exhaustion is as well. Now is not the time to let down your guard.'

He added that Utah hospitals have reached their 'brink' and cautioned against dwindling resources.

'Up until now, our hospitals have been able to provide good care to all COVID and non-COVID patients who need it, but today we stand on the brink.

'If Utahans do not take serious steps to limit group gatherings and wear masks, our healthcare providers will not have the ability to provide quality care for everyone who needs it.'

The 'mom code' is concerning for those who hoped to keep the majority of Davis School District's 73,000 students healthy.

'If there is a quarantine with a sports team or with any of the classrooms, they are encouraging each other not to have their children tested,' Prothero told Good Morning America.

'This is a time where we need to really focus on tracing the virus so we can be able to stop the spread.'

State health officials don't have a count of 'mom code' participants, but have cautioned that avoiding COVID-19 testing actually contributes to the spread of it.

Genevra Prothero: 'This is a time where we need to really focus on tracing the virus so we can be able to stop the spread'

Pictured: A kindergarten student does her work behind a shield at Freedom Preparatory Academy on September 10, 2020 in Provo, Utah

'Identifying cases …is a key strategy to limiting the spread of disease in our communities,' per a statement obtained by GMA.

And parents to vulnerable children fear the infection could unwittingly spread across classrooms and cause outbreaks.

According to the state's dashboard, Davis County has amassed 8,067 cases, 41 deaths and 364 hospitalizations.

The 14-day case count was 1,650 and the rate for that time was 469.1. 

Schools in the Davis School District are currently operating on a hybrid model that includes in-person and remote learning. COVID-19 testing for children in the district is not required.