Many Utahns have been taking this virus seriously and are abiding by precautionary measures. But some who haven’t seen the full range of ill effects coronavirus can have are unaware of the issues it causes within our medical and business communities. #utpol #utcovid19

We don’t dispute that most people won’t die from COVID-19 and know many who get infected won’t have severe symptoms. BUT, we know many people with coronavirus will have long term impacts on their heart and lungs. Already, too many Utahns have succumbed to the virus.

It is nearsighted to assume that your experience with the virus is the only one happening. These are narrow points of view and we must change how we perceive this pandemic.

Our hospitals are being overwhelmed and the stress they are experiencing is unsustainable. This is why we have required masks in high and moderate transmission areas and also asked residents in these areas to limit gatherings to 10 or fewer.

I ask Utahns to not just lean on your own experience during this pandemic. Learn from the science and examples you see. You don’t have to wait until you personally experience a crisis with COVID-19 before you realize you could have done more.

We know there are many who are willing to wear a mask and limit their social gatherings in order to protect the vulnerable around them. But in order for us to be successful, everyone must buy in.