Thread by @UtahCoronavirus

Press conference by @GovHerbert.

Coronavirus is a new virus. This is NOT influenza. Yesterday, we announced a recommendation for more social distancing so we don't spread disease.

After consulting with @DicksonSyd and other leaders, I am announcing today a soft closure of Utah's public schools.

Utah’s schools are dismissed for a period of two weeks in order to help prevent the spread of novel coronavirus in our communities, says @GovHerbert

During this time period, schools will still provide meals to students who need them. This is an evolving situation.

Our local school districts have been working closely with local health departments. We want to protect the health and welfare of the people of Utah. @GovHerbert

This “soft closure” is effective for two weeks. At that point, we will reassess the situation and announce the plan for schools going forward.

Let me be clear: This is a preventative measure. This decision is guided by input from scientists @GovHerbert

Now: Dr. Kurt Hegmann from @UofUOEH
U.S. community spread of COVID-19 is in more than a dozen states.

We don't want to become Italy or Seattle, he says. We can avoid this.

The overall fatality of COVID-19 in Italy is about 6 percent, says Dr. Kurt Hegmann from @UofUOEH.

Fatality rates can be lower by implementing school closures earlier rather than later.

Dr. Kurt Hegmann from @UofUOEH says it’s important to make these changes early, rather than late.

“It’s sound science.”

We are opting to not have a 4 percent fatality rate or more by lowering the number of person-to-person contacts you have each day.

By #flatteningthecurve, we are able to buy time to implement more options for treatment and testing, says Dr. Kurt Hegmann from @UofUOEH

Now, @UTBoardofEd superintendent @DicksonSyd says, "to be clear -- We are in prevention mode, not reaction mode."

We are not reacting to a confirmed COVID-19 case in any of our schools, rather we are entering a critical new phase in the fight to stop the spread of COVID-19.

.@DicksonSyd: We believe a two week dismissal is the
greatest preventative measure we can take – right now.

The reason we are using the word ‘dismissal’ and not ‘closure’ – is because a ‘dismissal’ allows for local options and opportunities.

Our local districts and charters know their
communities BEST, and have been working
with their local health departments to
assess risk.

We want to leave options for local districts
and charters to address the following:

- Child nutrition, especially for those
students who rely on school meals.
We imagine this turning into a ‘grab
and go’ system, where it is needed.

- One-on-one, or small group tutoring,
where it is needed.

- Continuing services for students with
disabilities.

- Continuing instruction, whether online
instruction offline instruction, or a
combination of both.
- If a school is already online, they
should continue business as usual.
-Staggering pick-up of school
work, books, or other items to take
home for the 14-days.

.@UTBoardofEd superintendent @DicksonSyd:
Schools, do not direct kids to rush in and clear out their lockers.

"We are not ending the school year by any means."

Local leadership will be working with educators for up to two days, in order for staff to have time to prep their plans for student instruction.

This means education will continue to move forward, as quickly as possible.

Funding will continue to all schools. AND at the local level, schools will be working on how to utilize and pay all employees, regardless if their role is directly related to instruction.

In two weeks, we will re-evaluate the situation, and make a decision that is best for our schools and school communities, says @DicksonSyd from @UTBoardofEd

Now: Lt. Gov. @SpencerJCox says we truly believe that these efforts are the very best thing for Utahns.

We need to work together if we are to eradicate this threat.

Utah has always been different. And this will be no exception.

Q: How is this going to work with students?

.@GovHerbert We are making this decision to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Parents need to take responsibility and talk with teenagers about how they are going to spend their time.

Q: What is the schedule for when this starts?
A: It depends on the school district. Some districts are on break right now.

Q: What measures is the Task Force taking to coordinate with indigenous tribes in Utah?

A: @SpencerJCox we recently met with the tribal groups and we will continue meeting and coordinating with them.

Q: Will students need to make up this instructional time?

A: The @UTBoardofEd is meeting this week and will be discussing this. We will take further action as needed.

Press conference has ended. You can see the entire stream of it at @GovHerbert Facebook page facebook.com/GovGaryHerbert