Thread by @UtahCoronavirus

Today’s daily briefing for Tuesday, April 28, 2020, will get started shortly.

It will be live on Facebook.com/govgaryherbert and en español at Facebook.com/marcomunoz

Today’s briefing will include @GovHerbert, @SpencerJCox and @DrAngelaCDunn.

We are trying to get everyone who has symptoms to get tested. We have the ability to test 6,000 people per day.

We have 62 testing sites around Utah.
coronavirus.utah.gov/testing-locati…

Don’t forget to download the Healthy Together app to help with contact tracing efforts.

We have worked to increase the capacity for isolation, quarantine and for hospital beds.

Because we have kept people out of hospitals through social distancing, we have maintained capacity to treat people who need it, says @GovHerbert

We will make decisions based on health data. You can see the guidance here coronavirus.utah.gov/testing-locati…

Currently, we are in a high-risk situation (red).

Today, @GovHerbert announces that Utah will transition from high risk to moderate risk, starting May 1.

This is NOT going back to business as usual. There are still significant risks, especially to people with underlying medical conditions or who are older than 65.

Recommendations for individuals will include:
• Maintaining a distance of 6 feet from others.
• Wear a face mask when out in public.
• Please start using a mask. It’s important.
• Continue working from home if possible.
• Limit out-of-state travel.

Other recommendations for individuals:
• Avoid large groups.
• Playgrounds should still be off limits.
• Shopping should be infrequent to limit trips.
• Schools will remain dismissed through the end of the school year.

Restaurants may open to dine-in service with some precautions:
• Screen employees for symptoms
• Keep customer groups apart through rearranging seating.
• Screen customers
• Clean more frequently.

More info will be shared throughout the week on Coronavirus.utah.gov

We recognize in the plan that there are regional differences.

Some areas may need more restrictions based on local case counts.

Remember that we cannot get to a zero risk. Life has risk. We are trying to manage the risks we face.

As we transition to moderate risk, we need people to wear masks in public.

Today we are announcing:

A Mask For Every Utahn
#MaskUtah

Order yours: coronavirus.utah.gov/mask/

Funding for this program comes from the CARES Act.

The program is designed to get a mask into the hands of everyone, especially those who do not have access to them. They are being made by Utah manufacturing companies.

This is a one-time program to create 2 million masks.

Remember, a mask is for you to protect those around you.

COVID spreads through droplets and even a cloth mask significantly stops the spread of droplets.

Be part of the team.

#maskutah

We understand the website is experiencing an extremely high number of visitors right now. Thank you for your interest!

Check back to coronavirus.utah.gov/mask/ later and you can place your order.

#MaskUtah

Now, @DrAngelaCDunn from @UtahDepOfHealth with today’s case updates:

Total positive cases: 4,343 (+110)

Lab Tests: 102,439 total tests (+2,244)

Hospitalizations: 370 (Cumulative)

Estimated recovered: 1,704 (Cumulative)

Deaths : 45 deaths (+4)

Q: About the state’s purchase of hydroxychloroquine... What have you learned?

A: That is still under review and we will have more information in the next day or two.

Q: Can you confirm the locations of recent deaths?

A: We don’t release the names of facilities, but if someone at a long-term care facility becomes infected, everyone in the facility gets tested.

Q: Who should be getting tested?

A: Anyone with even mild symptoms should be tested. In terms of antibody testing, there is a high false positive rate, so we need to figure out who can benefit best from that test. There’s still a lot we don’t know.

Q: Are we worried about declaring a moderate risk while we are still having deaths?

A: The change to moderate is a slow change meant to protect those who are most vulnerable to effects of COVID-19. We still need to social distance, wear a mask and stay home when sick.

We are going from high risk to moderate risk, unless you are more vulnerable. If that is the case, you are still at a high risk for COVID-19.

Q: What is the process for changing risk levels?

A: If there are areas of continued or active outbreaks, local health officials will work with state health to grant a variance if needed. This helps maintain local control and advice.

Q: Can you talk about reopening churches?

A: Large group gatherings (sports and religious groups) will probably be some of the last activities to return to normal. For now, many need to worship in a different way.

Q: Please talk about resources for mental health as people are missing their faith congregations and social interactions?

A: We understand this is a mentally challenging time. There are local resources for mental health in each county.

We all need to reach out. Find someone to talk to. Each of us has a role to play to show individual care, concern and love.

Q: Contact tracing, do you have enough?

A: We brought in state employees to support. We are confident we will have enough to support contact tracing throughout the state.

This is a good news day, says @GovHerbert, as we announce the May 1 transition from high to moderate risk. Keep up the good work.

Stay safe, stay strong, stay healthy.

Today’s briefing has concluded.