SALT LAKE CITY-In a Friday press conference, Utah Governor Gary Herbert issued the “stay safe, stay home” edict for the Beehive State amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
This directive is effective immediately through April 13. This is not a shelter-in-place order, but Herbert instructed all Utahns to stay home as much as possible and, while in public, to practice social distancing.
This particular directive is a step for Utah to move out of the urgency response phase. In a prepared statement, Herbert said the directive seeks to clarify what individuals and businesses can do as the state hopes to combat coronavirus.
There are specific instructions for Utahns concerning what they can and cannot do when they go outdoors.
Individuals can still enjoy outdoor areas so long as there is a distance of six feet between people.
In this vein of thought, Herbert admonished children not to play on playgrounds.
Travel should be limited and leisurely drives are all right as long as social distancing rules are followed.
Herbert also encourages Utahns to be generous to restaurants, suggesting to get take out at least three times a week.
State parks are only available to residents of the county where the park is located, Herbert also declared. This means that Wasatch County residents may use, wisely, Wasatch Mountain State Park and Jordanelle State Park during this time.
Changes to the Salt Lake City International Airport have also been implemented during this period. During this directive’s time frame, only ticketed passengers will be allowed in public areas at the airport.
Effective Monday March 30, Herbert’s office will conduct daily briefings concerning the COVID-19 outbreak in Utah.
After April 13, Herbert and his office will reassess the situation, seeing if any changes need to be made.
