Thread by @RobertGehrke

And we’re underway …

Herbert: “I know this is the Thanksgiving month and I know its sometimes hard to find things we’re thankful for, particularly in 2020.” Still lots to be grateful for. Never been better time to be alive and in Utah. Let’s be grateful for what we have. #utpol

Herbert: “I’m thankful for the media.”

(No, really, he said that.)

We want you to have a happy and safe holiday season, so we’re making some modifications to our public health order regarding who can gather in a household, but give guidance on how to minimize risk. #utpol

Herbert: More people gathered closely and the longer they’re together, the greater the risk. So you should gather only with members of your own home. Those coming from out of town bring more risk. (Don’t think there are a lot of places with more risk than Utah, but 🤷🏻‍♂️.) #utpol

Herbert: Should wear masks and distance. Try to keep it shorter. Do it outside if you can. Have good ventilation. Hygiene is important. “This is not a normal Thanksgiving time.” Recommendations are at coronavirus.utah.gov/holidays

(Or, you can not gather.) #utpol

Winslow: Do you think people will heed your advice? What if they don’t and cases surge?

Herbert: I think people are heeding advice of the medical experts. I’m just the spokesperson. Maybe everyone won’t listen, but if some do, “we’ll have a better time” than if we don’t. #utpol

Herbert: Mask mandate will be extended. “The science is clear it helps slow the spread.” Reduces risk by about 70%. With the statewide mandate, data shows people are more mobile and it has a positive effect on the economy.
#utpol

Order that only people in a household can eat together is being lifted. That order will be ready to be presented by Monday.

Mullahy: What do you say to those who think the orders go too far? Why are case counts going up? #utpol

Herbert: We look around the country and nobody has an explanation. Variety of approaches and nothings working. People point at S.Dakota, but they have third-highest death rate in the world. NY had high death rate early and starting to shut things down again. #utpol

Herbert: Is Utah's the right formula? I don’t know. It’s one formula.

This is what science tells us. We’re not mandating what people do in their homes. We don’t want people smoking in their homes, either. This is similar.

“Better safe than sorry.” #utpol

Herbert: “We’re giving the best advice medical science has … and we’d be derelict if we did not pass it onto you.”

Q. Do colleges/universities have enough tests?

Herbert: We have about 4,000 tests. Would like to get to 250,000/week. #utpol

Herbert: Believes in next two weeks will have a program where those in dorms can be tested at least every other week.

Q. Criticism from sheriffs on discussing enforcement?

Herbert: “I haven’t been invited.” Appreciates law enforcement. #utpol

Herbert: We can debate policies, but there’s not debate — BYU study and others — that if you wear a mask you slow the spread. Hopes people do it for the right reasons. U. study shows masks help economy. It’s about changing behavior. #utpol

Q. Have you communicated about COVID with Biden admin?

Herbert: Conference call scheduled later today (It’s a National Govs Association call). Curious to hear what he has to say. Know his concern is we come together to fight coronavirus and follow the science. #utpol

Herbert: Hopes he continues to let states make their own policies. Hopes he talks about making economic aid package available.

Utah’s economy is doing very well. One of the best.

Q. Why taking so long to ramp up testing? #utpol

Herbert doesn’t know. Maybe supplies are limited?

Right now positivity rates are too high. More testing helps us find people, isolate them and bring positives down. Now ICU units are overwhelmed and about a third are Covid patients.

(Here’s where Utah is on testing). #utpol

Herbert reiterates goal is 250k tests/week as rapidly as we can.

Q. Quick final thoughts on Thanksgiving?

Herbert: Lots to be thankful for. 2020 has been tough. Will be great to have it in our rearview mirror. Opportunity to learn, make 2021 better. #utpol

Herbert: “Take time. Count your many blessings, name them one by one.”

(That’s a church hymn, btw.)

That’s it. Went fast. This *probably* is Gov. Herbert's last KUED monthly news conference. #utpol

BTW, since I made a snarky comment about places with higher risk than Utah, here is the latest data on places with higher risk. #utpol

By the way, for a long time Utah was among the top in the nation in per capita testing … I think second or third, if I recall.