Thread by @BenWinslow

As we wait for @GovHerbert to begin his briefing with @DrAngelaCDunn, I'm gonna call attention to this story and an announcement we're awaiting: fox13now.com/news/coronavir… @fox13 #utpol #Utah #COVID19

.@GovHerbert begins by sporting a new "Utah-specific" face mask.

He thanks Utahns for their cooperation, diligence in following directives to slow the spread of #COVID19. @fox13 #utpol #Utah

Utahns' efforts have kept the health care system from being overwhelmed, @GovHerbert says.

Testing capacity has grown (62 sites now). He says there's need to have more people tested. @fox13 #utpol #Utah #COVID19

Utah has created a test site on the Navajo Nation to help them out, @GovHerbert says.

@ARUPLabs antibody testing is another positive sign, he says, among other studies done in Utah on #COVID19. @fox13 #utpol #Utah

.@GovHerbert says the "Healthy Together" app has over 30,000 downloads now.

Other states are now looking at the app and whether it could help them, he says. @fox13 #utpol #Utah #COVID19

BREAKING NEWS: @GovHerbert announces he will LOWER Utah's risk level from "red" to "orange" effective May 1.

That means moderate risk for everyone, but still high risk for the vulnerable. @fox13 #utpol #Utah #COVID19

This does NOT mean back to normal, @GovHerbert cautions.

Continued vigilance means we don't move back to "red." Staying home, social distancing measures remain critical.

@fox13 #utpol #Utah #COVID19

.@GovHerbert says he is disappointed when he goes grocery shopping and sees too many customers are NOT wearing masks.

"We need to do more mask wearing," he says.

@fox13 #utpol #Utah #COVID19

.@GovHerbert going over what people still need to be doing as they start lifting some restrictions.

Working from home still strongly encouraged, dine-in service with proper protocols will be allowed.

Here's more info: fox13now.com/news/coronavir… @fox13 #utpol #Utah #COVID19

"This will be an evolution as we learn," @GovHerbert says.

He urges continued hygiene and washing of hands. Businesses, he urges, to have hand sanitizer on-hand for customers. @fox13 #utpol #Utah #COVID19

.@GovHerbert says he will allow people to interact in groups of 20 or fewer now (it was fewer than 10).

Gyms/salons can re-open IF they follow strict protocols, he says. @fox13 #utpol #Utah #COVID19

.@GovHerbert says he recognizes regional differences (what applies to #SLC doesn't apply to St. George).

He is allowing variances with local health departments (giving @SLCoMayor some wiggle room with her orders). @fox13 #utpol #Utah #COVID19

"We'll never have zero risk. Life has risk," @GovHerbert says.

They're trying to manage risk, re-open the economy and protect health, he says.

He hopes in a matter of weeks/months to move from stability to recovery. @fox13 #utpol #Utah #COVID19

.@GovHerbert says one of his "peeves" is people not wearing masks.

"As Tonto said to the Lone Ranger, 'Never take off the mask,'" he says.

The governor chides Utahns who do NOT wear one. @fox13 #utpol #Utah #COVID19

.@GovHerbert announces an initiative to provide "a mask for every Utahn."

@SpencerJCox says there's a deal with manufacturers and @cotopaxi to make 2 million masks for free (well, the CARES Act pays for it).

We get COVID-SWAG! #utpol #Utah #COVID19

.@SpencerJCox says you can order a mask at coronavirus.utah.gov. One per household (maximum of 6).

Got one of your own? Continue to use it. Don't be a jerk and hoard. @fox13 #utpol #Utah #COVID19

The mask-making effort will save 200 jobs in rural Utah, @SpencerJCox says.

Once they're out of 2 million, they're out. So again, if you don't need it? Don't order it.

Save it for those who NEED them. @fox13 #utpol #Utah #COVID19

.@SpencerJCox touting how facemasks help slow spread.

There's going to be a BIG push to make this normalized.

And y'all? I just bought a bunch of stylish new masks. I'm gonna Zoom-bomb you with #CapitolFashionReport: MASK EDITION.

@fox13 #utpol #Utah #COVID19

Underserved populations will be a focus of the facemask effort.

And yes, the website is down because EVERYBODY WANTS SWAG!!! @fox13 #utpol #Utah #COVID19

.@DrAngelaCDunn now going over the numbers I tweeted earlier. We have a 4.2% positive rate.

All deaths were SL Co. residents. 3/4 were over 60, one was less than 60. All had underlying medical conditions. @fox13 #utpol #Utah #COVID19

.@GovHerbert asked about hydroxychlorine purchase?

"It's still under review. Everybody's been very cooperative and collaborative," he says. @fox13 #utpol #Utah #COVID19

Asked about 7 deaths at one facility, @DrAngelaCDunn says it's being handled proactively.

Q on tests? Anyone with symptoms, go get tests. Antibody testing? They're trying to figure out who most benefits from it.

@fox13 #utpol #Utah #COVID19

"We have been seeing a flattening of the curve," @DrAngelaCDunn says.

Following the existing guidelines ensures they can continue to protect the vulnerable and see a decrease in cases, she says. @fox13 #utpol #Utah #COVID19

Q on soft-reopening, is this the recommendation from the #utleg commission?

Yes, @GovHerbert says, and that was "follow the plan." He wants regional differences, he wants 6' of space between customers, NOT table space. @fox13 #utpol #Utah #COVID19

I ask about provision of the law that says counties/cities can't be more restrictive than the state in risk level?

@GovHerbert says if there is a hotspot, he'll work with local health departments to make a decision on that. @fox13 #utpol #Utah #COVID19

.@GovHerbert says it will not be a "one size fits all" for every part of the state.

Likewise, there may be some parts of the state to request to go from "orange" to "yellow." @fox13 #utpol #Utah #COVID19

.@GovHerbert asked about people turning to faith?

"I think it's helped. It's helped me," he says, providing enlightenment and comfort. @fox13 #utpol #Utah #COVID19

Contact tracing going to 7 days? @DrAngelaCDunn says they have the capacity to do it. @fox13 #utpol #Utah #COVID19

.@GovHerbert ends by thanking Utahns for everything they've done in these challenging times. Keep it up, he says.

"This is a good news day," he says. @fox13 #utpol #Utah #COVID19