Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We’ve now been in the orange or “moderate risk” phase of the Utah Leads Together 2.0 plan for a week, and we’ve seen many businesses begin to reopen while following essential health precautions. Gov. Herbert issued an executive order clarifying guidelines in the moderate and low-risk phases of the Utah Leads Together 2.0 plan. You can view the updated phased guidelines here and the governor’s clarifications here.
On May 8th, the Utah Department of Health reported 138,688 tests administered, 5,919 positive cases, 488 total hospitalizations, and 61 fatalities. We have reduced the transmission rate in Utah for COVID-19 to 1:1.
The state’s robust testing has received accolades across the United States. According to a Harvard Global Health Institute analysis, Utah is one of only nine states with the testing capacity needed to safely reopen. Our state fatality rate is just under one percent, which is one of the lowest in the nation. This is encouraging news, but we must all continue to do our part to maintain the progress we’ve made so we can continue moving forward together.
For the small business owners in my district, the state launched the “PPE Push Pack” program to support small businesses in the “moderate risk” phase of the Utah Leads Together 2.0 plan. The program provides a free week’s supply of PPE to help small businesses get back to work. You can find more information on this program here and apply for the PPE Push Pack program here.
While this pandemic has brought numerous struggles for each of us, I am proud to be a Utahn. I have watched our community work through this pandemic the Utah way through collaboration, hard work, innovation and compassion. I am truly touched by the many Utahns constantly looking for ways to serve others — from sewing millions of masks for “Project Protect” to donating supplies and money for student lunches. Within the last week, we have celebrated both Teacher Appreciation Week and Nurse Appreciation Week. I can think of no two groups more deserving of our appreciation at this time! Our educators have worked hard to adapt to remote learning and connect with their students and have done a tremendous job. I know many teachers and administrators have demonstrated great innovation and love for our students by finding special ways to recognize our graduating seniors. Thank you, educators, for all of your outstanding work! Our nursing staff has been on the front line for many weeks now working hard while somehow still maintaining a “can do” attitude. It is a tremendous sacrifice for them to leave their families each day and go to work to help fight this virus, but they continue to show up, work hard and provide caring, essential service. Thank you, nurses, for all of your work!
In the News:
Harvard Study says Utah One of Nine States Ready to Safely Reopen
$20 Million Available for Utah Ranchers and Farmers Hit by Coronavirus
Some National Parks in Utah Opening for Day Use
Churches Can Open Under New Utah Guidelines but Must Still Observe Social Distancing
What Governor Herbert’s New Guidance Means for Gatherings, Recreation, Gyms, Sports and Services
