SALT LAKE CITY-Friday, Utah Governor Gary Herbert and select other officials addressed the media Friday at the daily briefing at the State Capitol.
In speaking of combating COVID-19, Herbert stated Utahns need to do things to help bend the curve.
Herbert released a new restriction, saying visitors are disallowed at the homes of any residents. He reiterated that “travel should be limited, unless it’s essential.”
While Herbert strongly advises against going outside with friends as the weather gets warmer, he confirmed that “outdoor recreation is fine.”
In this vein of thought, Herbert confirmed that Zion National Park has been shut down. Those who are in the park today will be allowed to gather up their belongings and will then be asked to leave. Additionally, Herbert and Arizona Governor Doug Ducey have considered shutting down ramps on Lake Powell for boats this weekend.
Glen Canyon National Recreational Area and Lake Powell straddle the Utah-Arizona border.
Herbert also announced that Major General Jefferson S. Burton of the Utah National Guard will oversee the Utah Department of Health. As Burton addressed the media, he reiterated much of what Herbert said previously.
DPS Administrative Services Commissioner Jesse Anderson confirmed there are quarantine/isolation sites throughout the state in every county. These are to address the needs of anyone in a homeless situation, or an otherwise compromised condition wherein they cannot be around others.
The addresses and locations of these sites will not be released, Anderson said, but the state is working with all counties to procure these sites.
When addressing questions about if he plans to shut all of Utah down, Herbert said any such decisions would be data-based.
Ultimately, however, Herbert continued, a lock-down would be up to local county officials as well as local public health departments in those areas.
Herbert did state that he “does not want any more of a vice grip” on the economy than already exists.
State epidemiologist Andrea Dunn then addressed the media, saying that “it’s much more valuable to look at two-week trends” than day-to-day COVID-19 tests as the numbers fluctuate from day-to-day.
Dunn also confirmed that someone is considered to be recovered from COVID-19 when they have been asymptomatic for at least 3 days and have been in self-isolation for at least 14 days.
The number of positive tests in Utah increased to 12,246, a marked increase from Thursday’s numbers because labs have caught up on a backlog of tests.
