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Now starting the governor’s semi-daily Covid briefing.
Had some problems getting it going, but he starts by saying we are still in an urgent stage. Policy is being driven by data. #utpol
Had some problems getting it going, but he starts by saying we are still in an urgent stage. Policy is being driven by data. #utpol
Herbert says he is concerned about Easter Weekend and people traveling. Stay safe, stay home. Only travel if it’s essential. “Non-essential travel is prohibited.”
(I mean, it’s not prohibited by the state, it’s advised against.) #utpol
(I mean, it’s not prohibited by the state, it’s advised against.) #utpol
If you go outdoors to recreate, do it in the region where you live. (Kane and Garfield counties pretty much banned visitors, by the way.)
https://www.sltrib.com/news/environment/2020/04/08/local-leaders-shut-down/
Herbert reiterates concerns about the economy and that “help is on the way.” #utpol
https://www.sltrib.com/news/environment/2020/04/08/local-leaders-shut-down/
Herbert reiterates concerns about the economy and that “help is on the way.” #utpol
Gov says “the important message of the day” is about access to Utah by out-of-staters. Today, in coordination with @UDOTTRAFFIC and airport, requiring individuals entering Utah thru airport to complete a travel declaration. Will be in place by Friday. #utpol
Herbert: Going to require people entering by car or truck to complete a travel declaration when they reach their final destination. Will ask if they’ve been tested in past 14 days and what results are; if they have symptoms; detail prior travel. #utpol
“Like most things brand new there might be a few glitches as we roll this out, but I suspect we’ll work through those glitches but this will be a way for us to protect the people of Utah.”
“I like the numbers I’m seeing,” Herbert said. Not declaring victory. #utpol
“I like the numbers I’m seeing,” Herbert said. Not declaring victory. #utpol
Now, @CarlosUDOT discussing how the orders will be implemented …
Utah is geofenced. Vehicles entering the state will get a text message via the wireless emergency alert system, directing them to a Website asking them to fill out a self-declaration form. #utpol
Utah is geofenced. Vehicles entering the state will get a text message via the wireless emergency alert system, directing them to a Website asking them to fill out a self-declaration form. #utpol
It will ask them name, email address, travel history, symptoms, others under age 18 with them.
People will physically be at the airport handing out QR codes asking them to visit the Website.
Info will go to @UtahDepOfHealth. #utpol
People will physically be at the airport handing out QR codes asking them to visit the Website.
Info will go to @UtahDepOfHealth. #utpol
Now, @slcmayor, who says the measures Utah has put in place are working. Need to keep working.
Each person coming into the state is an opportunity for the virus to spread. These steps will bring us assurances we’re doing what we can. Hopes these are first steps. #utpol
Each person coming into the state is an opportunity for the virus to spread. These steps will bring us assurances we’re doing what we can. Hopes these are first steps. #utpol
Mayor says UDOT has requested no-touch temperatures sensors so they can check temperatures of people arriving at airport. Those are not available yet. #utpol
Gov says what we’re doing is working. Notes conversation with Dr. Fauci this morning who was impressed with what Utah is doing. It’s different from some other states but getting better outcomes than some. #utpol
@lwhitehurst asks how info from surveys will be used.
@CarlosUDOT says it will go to secure database at @UtahDepOfHealth. If someone says they have symptoms, health can contact them to ask them to quarantine and, if necessary, get tested. #utpol
@CarlosUDOT says it will go to secure database at @UtahDepOfHealth. If someone says they have symptoms, health can contact them to ask them to quarantine and, if necessary, get tested. #utpol
Herbert says he believes the program will probably be paid for with federal money.
Governor says he talked with Fauci about “uniqueness of different states.” East coast is more congested than other states.
(Utah is the ninth most urbanized state, actually.) #utpol
Governor says he talked with Fauci about “uniqueness of different states.” East coast is more congested than other states.
(Utah is the ninth most urbanized state, actually.) #utpol
Herbert says Utah organized its first task force on March 2. We were earlier closing schools compared to other states. Closed in-house dining earlier.
He liked the fact we did not hesitate, took direct, decisive action early on. Seeing benefits now. #utpol
He liked the fact we did not hesitate, took direct, decisive action early on. Seeing benefits now. #utpol
@BenWinslow asks if people are penalized for not filling out the declaration …
@CarlosUDOT says it’s not an effort to penalize. It’s an effort to inform and gather data. Counting on people doing the right thing. #utpol
@CarlosUDOT says it’s not an effort to penalize. It’s an effort to inform and gather data. Counting on people doing the right thing. #utpol
Carlos says we will be able to measure compliance because we know how many cars enter the state and how many people enter the airport. Believes people will do the right thing. #utpol
Mayor says when we get the ability to do temperature checks, she is prepared to require quarantine to the extent possible.
Braceras says they don’t anticipate having to chase people down. They are looking at St. G airport, but traffic doesn’t warrant it yet. #utpol
Braceras says they don’t anticipate having to chase people down. They are looking at St. G airport, but traffic doesn’t warrant it yet. #utpol
Q was about groups gathering at capitol complex, when do we need an order?
Herbert notes the Capitol is in SLC, which has an order in place.
(He’s right about that.)
If @slcmayor wants to bring law enforcement … ? #utpol
Herbert notes the Capitol is in SLC, which has an order in place.
(He’s right about that.)
If @slcmayor wants to bring law enforcement … ? #utpol
Mayor says it is enforceable by law. To date nobody has been charged in the county, although the opportunity is on the books. There is an effort to establish a reporting line (don’t use 911!). We ask people to do the right thing a lot and people try, but not everyone does. #utpol
Mendenhall says the six counties that have orders in place are sharing data to make the best decisions they can.
Herbert says the directives in place are hard. Not in our nature. Together we can get through this. #utpol
Herbert says the directives in place are hard. Not in our nature. Together we can get through this. #utpol
Now Dr. Dunn will give us the rundown from the health side.
1,846 cases, up 108. 31,000+ tested. 158 hospitalizations total.
Have capacity to test 5,000. People with symptoms should get tested. Social distancing is helping. #utpol
1,846 cases, up 108. 31,000+ tested. 158 hospitalizations total.
Have capacity to test 5,000. People with symptoms should get tested. Social distancing is helping. #utpol
Dunn says contact tracing is important to disease outbreak. Allows public health to monitor contacts to make sure they get care they need.
(SLCo told me there are too many cases. Can’t keep up with contact tracing.) #utpol
(SLCo told me there are too many cases. Can’t keep up with contact tracing.) #utpol
Dunn says when counties were overwhelmed, state health dept stepped in to help with tracing. Gov has asked other employees from state agencies be reassigned to those efforts. #utpol
Treatment is also important. Dunn highlights @IntermtnMedCtr and @UofUHealth trial on hydrochloroquine.
Dunn said from beginning nursing homes were going to be most vulnerable. Worked with facilities to understand best practices. #utpol
Dunn said from beginning nursing homes were going to be most vulnerable. Worked with facilities to understand best practices. #utpol
Dunn said once cases are identified, state works with nursing homes they help implement best practices. Separating those who have been infected. Plans are being enacted.
Those in care facilities, only exposure is through workers or visitors, so visitation is restricted. #utpol
Those in care facilities, only exposure is through workers or visitors, so visitation is restricted. #utpol
Dunn said new drugs have potential for side effects. Hydroxychloroquine has known side effects at high doses. So that’s why we are studying it. Is used for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Need to make sure those patients can get their drugs. #utpol
Dunn said there is a possibility we will see waves of Covid. Or maybe its seasonal and will resurge in the fall. Preparing for that, but right now dealing with current cases. #utpol
Dunn says intent of the governor’s stay-at-home directive is that people follow it but local jurisdictions have latitude. Summit has done a great job and seen decrease in cases. #utpol
Should people buy private COVID antibody tests?
Dunn said finger-prick tests claim they can identify antibody response. Right now there isn’t much evidence on efficacy of the tests. Urging caution on interpreting the results. #utpol
Dunn said finger-prick tests claim they can identify antibody response. Right now there isn’t much evidence on efficacy of the tests. Urging caution on interpreting the results. #utpol
Dunn said planning had included COVID-19 specific nursing homes. One facility has gone there. Right now don’t need another but are ready to stand up others if needed. #utpol
Winslow asks about modeling and flattening curve.
Dunn says there are a lot out there. We shy away from focusing on one model when you have a novel pandemic. It’s unpredictable. Internal models show it peaking later this summer. #utpol https://www.sltrib.com/news/2020/04/06/robert-gehrke-an-expert/
Dunn says there are a lot out there. We shy away from focusing on one model when you have a novel pandemic. It’s unpredictable. Internal models show it peaking later this summer. #utpol https://www.sltrib.com/news/2020/04/06/robert-gehrke-an-expert/
