SALT LAKE CITY-Thursday, Utah Governor Gary Herbert conducted his daily coronavirus task force briefing at the Utah state Capitol Building.
However, there was a slight change as Utah state epidemiologist Dr. Angela Dunn commenced the proceedings.
Dunn confirmed 38,373 tests have been conducted in Utah for COVID-19. These result in a 5 percent positive test rate, a mark that has been consistently kept over the course of the past 10-14 days.
Dunn stated there are 1,976 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Beehive State and 168 hospitalizations have occurred.
Dunn, when fielding questions from the media, said there is “no standard definition for what ‘recovered’ [of the COVID-19] means.”
To assist the elderly, Dunn said mobile vans can be used on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of local public health offices for the elderly.
Dunn continued, saying that wearing homemade masks is recommended by the Utah Department of Health.
She confirmed that “the vast majority of people are recovering from home.” In closing, Dunn confirmed her hope that Utahns can make clear interpretations of the data that is presented as everything is data-driven.
Herbert then addressed the media, thanking Utahns for their innate ability to work together in accomplishing their goals.
Herbert expressed gratitude to the state’s performing arts groups and sports teams, even including high school athletes as part of his remarks.
Herbert then encouraged Utahns to purchase season tickets for their favorite sports teams and performing arts groups for next season in hopes of bolstering the economy.
Herbert, in alignment with United States president Donald Trump’s ruling to keep the U.S. in its current condition through April 30, also extended his directive (set March 27) to that date as well.
Herbert, in citing his “Utah Leads Together” initiative, which was formed last month, said he wants Utah to get out of the “urgency phase” to advance to “stabilization/recovery effort” status.
Herbert then extended his request to the Beehive State that all residents wear N95 masks when going out in public.
Herbert also thanked grocers for their contributions in keeping Utah viable in these arduous times.
Herbert concluded his remarks by saying Capitol Reef National Park, in Wayne County, has also been closed.
All five national parks in the Beehive State are now closed.
Herbert then turned the time over to Mikelle Moore, the chief community health officer of Intermountain Healthcare.
Moore released information on a COVID-19 hotline: 833-442-2211. This runs 7 days a week from 10:00 am-10:00 pm.
Interpretations are available in 20 different languages on this hotline, Moore confirmed.
Moore reminded all Utahns to stay mentally healthy, find time to exercise and get some fresh air and to find and maintain routines.
Herbert then returned to the podium to answer several questions. Herbert, when asked if Utah schools will be able to reopen again, said “in the next few days” he will collaborate with state superintendent of public instruction Sydnee Dickson and Utah State Board of Education board member Mark Huntsman concerning whether or not schools will be opened to students or if they will operate as they presently are.
Herbert reiterated that he will not be hasty in making any decisions concerning opening Utah up again as he does not want a recurrence of COVID-19 should cases begin to drop.
In closing, Herbert said that in alignment with President Trump’s directive to call for a weekend of prayer, he would invite Utahns to fast and pray as well.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints President Russell M. Nelson called for a worldwide fast Friday during last weekend’s general conference for the Salt Lake City-based faith in this vein of thought.
Herbert, in following President Nelson’s lead, called for all Utahns, religious or otherwise, to fast and pray for relief from COVID-19.
Incidentally, Herbert will conduct his final briefing of the week Friday from the state Capitol Building.
