SALT LAKE CITY-Tuesday, Utah Governor Gary Herbert addressed the media at the Utah State Capitol Building and had an important announcement.
Herbert started his remarks by thanking Utahns for their cooperation during the pandemic.
Herbert says “it’s remarkable what Utah has done to fight the pandemic, slow the spread and not overwhelm the health care system.”
He confirmed the Beehive State can test 6,000 people and process 9,000 tests daily. Utah has 62 testing sites around the state.
Herbert said Utah has procured over 5 million N95 or K95 masks , over 4 million surgical gowns and over half a million face shields.
Herbert confirmed the Beehive State is continually building up these supplies.
Herbert lauded Utahns by saying, “You are adapting. You are even more self-reliant than we thought and you are protecting each other.”
The University of Utah’s Associated Regional and University Pathologists Labs are able to run 20,000 antibody tests in the lab daily to see who has had the virus.
Herbert then unveiled the biggest news of the day, saying that Utah will be transitioning from “high risk” red to “moderate risk” orange Friday.
Herbert then explained this means dine-in services will be permitted, provided that social distancing protocols are kept.
These include tables being six feet apart and all workers having their temperatures checked to ensure that all are well.
Herbert even suggested that customers be screened themselves to see if they can enter the premises.
If customers do not meet the requirements, Herbert said, they will be asked to accept curbside service.
Utahns need to wear some sort of mask in public, Herbert stated. He confirmed that “home is still the safest place you can be.”
With certain restrictions in place, Herbert said, gyms and salons may be opened.
Herbert said that he is working to reopen all state parks, notwithstanding Washington County’s Sand Hollow, Gunlock and Quail Creek state parks all closing mid-day this past Saturday because of too many crowds.
Herbert stated retail shops will be open but he still advises Utahns to limit their trips outside.
In regard to dining services being made possible again, Herbert said ordering takeout or drive-thru service is still “strongly encouraged” at this time.
Herbert noted that regional differences will allow counties to work with their local health departments to determine the safest way to proceed into the orange phase.
For instance, Wasatch County is still having considerable problems with COVID-19 and may therefore have more stringent restrictions than neighboring Duchesne County where people are much more spread out.
Herbert also confirmed gatherings of 20 or more people may also occur.
Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox then spoke, announcing the “Mask For Every Utahn” initiative, which consists of a mask for every Utahn-free of charge.
Funding for this program comes from the CARES Act. 2 million masks are available and once the state is out, that is all that they can afford.
Therefore, Cox said, masks will be given to essential workers and under-served populations first. For those who already have a mask, they are advised not to ask for one. Cox said there is a limit of 6 masks per household.
Cox said the virus is spread through droplets so if all Utahns wear a mask, it will help to flatten the curve and limit the spread of the virus.
Cox also said wearing a mask is the most important in helping to protect the Beehive State’s most vulnerable populations.
Herbert and the Utah Coronavirus Task Force will again address the media Wednesday at the State Capitol Building.
