State Of Emergency Declared For Utah’s Coronavirus Response

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Gov. Gary Herbert has declared a State of Emergency related to Utah’s response to the novel coronavirus.

Officials said the declaration is to help prepare for a potential increased demand on the state’s health services and resources.

The state’s first case of the virus was confirmed by officials Friday night.

“Our number one focus is preparing for the arrival of novel coronavirus,” Herbert said. “Issuing this declaration now allows us to take additional proactive steps that will make a big difference in how effectively we can respond once we start seeing COVID-19 diagnoses in Utah.”

The executive order came as a unanimous recommendation from the newly-formed Utah COVID-19 Task Force, which is led by Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox and composed of public and private health, business, education and community leaders.

“While no one in Utah has yet tested positive for COVID-19, issuing this order now allows our state and communities to access additional funding and resources that will be instrumental in helping us prepare to slow the spread of coronavirus,” Cox said.

He also noted neighboring states have reported their first cases of the virus.

Earlier this afternoon, I declared a state of emergency to help Utah prepare for diagnoses of COVID-19 in our state. This means we are in a state of readiness. Watch this video to learn more. #utahcovid19 pic.twitter.com/t21qO3Yr75

— Gov. Gary Herbert (@GovHerbert) March 7, 2020

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How Do I Prevent It?

The CDC has some simple recommendations, most of which are the same for preventing other respiratory illnesses or the flu:

• Avoid close contact with people who may be sick
• Avoid touching your face
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

The CDC does not recommend wearing a facemask respirator to protect yourself from coronavirus unless a healthcare professional recommends it.