Thread by @UtahCoronavirus

Press conference:

We are announcing additional preemptive measures today, says @SpencerJCox

#UtahCOVID19

Right now @GovHerbert says that many civic events are being postponed due to public concerns of COVID-19.

We are working to mitigate the spread of coronavirus.

The processes we are going to announce are solid and based on good science.

Very few samples for COVID-19 have come back positive. So far we are not seeing community spread of the disease.

These decisions are based on the assumption that this will become more serious. @GovHerbert

We can do a lot to protect others from getting the virus, especially those who are older or have compromised immune systems. Good hygiene, etc.
@GovHerbert

The following recommendations are in place for the next two weeks:

• Limit mass gatherings to groups of 100 starting March 16 (church, concerts, conferences, etc.) This doesn’t apply to schools yet.
• We want local health to assess the situation with schools
@GovHerbert

Recommendations continued:
• if you are over 60 avoid gatherings of gatherings of more than 20 people. Same for immunocompromised people
• work from home if you can
@GovHerbert

These decisions don’t come lightly, says @GovHerbert.
It’s going to have an impact and disrupt our economy, but the health and welfare of our citizens is the primary concern.

These steps will help slow COVID-19.

“It’s better for us to be too early than to be too late.”

We know some are feeling anxious. We started the @BeReadyUtah program to help people be ready for anything. In this case, be ready for coronavirus.

Please be rational and reasonable and kind as you continue preparing.

We are hoping for the best but we are planning for the worst.

We will get through this together as we work together, says @GovHerbert

Gatherings in the recommendations refers to group gatherings, not workplaces of 100 people, says @SpencerJCox

We need to mitigate the spread. The mortality rate slows significantly if we get people the best healthcare in the world. We keep the healthcare system running by not overwhelming it.

Remember 80 percent of people who get COVID-19 will be just fine.

But we are working to protect older adults and people with compromised immune systems says @SpencerJCox

The purpose of what we are announcing today still have the testing to keep up.

We wish we were testing more and we will be. Eventually, we will be able to test 1,000 a day.

Now we have 5 Utah residents who have tested positive for COVID-19

Total Utah specific cases:
2 @utahjazz players
3 residents (1 each in Davis, Weber-Morgan and Summit health districts)

Please use telehealth and/or call ahead before just showing up at the doctor.

If you don’t need to go, don’t go.

Dr. Angela Dunn from @UtahDepOfHealth

Current cases of COVID-19 do not represent community spread.

You can still live your life, but if you are sick with any respiratory disease, stay home.

Now: @RuthVWatkins from @UUtah says beginning next week we are moving to online classes, limiting group gatherings and restricting travel for faculty and staff.

Our actions are supported by our values.

Now: @USUAggies President Noelle Cockett says USU will help lower the rate of infection.

We have cancelled university events and all nonessential university travel.

we are cancelling classes starting tomorrow through Tuesday and then moving classes to online format.

Now @higheredutah Commissioner David Woolstenhulme says all 8 institutions are going the same direction with more coursework online. Check with each college’s website for more info.

Now Superintendent Syd Dickson says we are not currently closing schools.

But effective immediately, we recommend cancelling out of state travel for school-sponsored trips, she says.

Now @GovHerbert says Utah Legislature has identified $16 million to support the response to COVID-19.

Now @StevenStarks from @LHM says this is an unprecedented event for the @utahjazz

We will share information with ticket holders and partners separately.

We are confident this experience will help us become stronger and more unified.

We’re not making these decisions today because things are really bad, we’re making these decisions so that things don’t get really bad, says @SpencerJCox.

Let’s take care of each other. Check on your neighbors, but not if you’re sick.

Stay tuned and as more testing capabilities come online, we will share those.

Press conference has ended.