CORONAVIRUS

Coronavirus Worries Affecting Big Events In Utah

Mar 9, 2020, 6:40 PM | Updated: 11:30 pm

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Two major companies have canceled conferences and others are taking precautionary steps as worries about a potential coronavirus outbreak slowly start to affect events here in Utah.

Qualtrics has postponed its annual X4 Summit, which was expected to bring 13,000 people to Salt Lake City this week. Former President Barack Obama was scheduled to headline the conference, which has been pushed back to the fall.

Another big conference, Domopalooza, was expected to bring 3,000 people to Utah next week.

However, it was switched to an online event because of worries over the coronavirus.

A spokesperson for Visit Salt Lake said those changes could cost local vendors and merchants up to $2.7 million.

No NBA games, concerts or other events have been canceled at Vivint Smart Home Arena, but Larry H. Miller Group officials said they are taking precautions to try to minimize the risk of COVID-19 to guests.

That means extra precautions are being taken at the arena and at all Megaplex theaters.

They said high-contact surfaces like door handles, bathrooms and common rooms are being sanitized multiple times a day.

There’s also added focus to disinfecting places that see a lot of traffic, such as box offices and retail stores.

Extra hand sanitizer stations have also been set up at the arena’s entrance and officials are allowing fans to bring in their own sanitizer and disposable wipes — something they haven’t permitted before.

But officials added fans should do their part as well.

“If people are experiencing flu-like symptoms, please stay home,” said Frank Zang, Vivint Smart Home Arena spokesperson. “It’s for the betterment of all if people who are not feeling well can avoid and stay away from public events at this time.”

Other Events Canceled

The state geography bee, scheduled for March 27, was also canceled and switched to an online format, affecting a lot of students. National Geographic officials said they canceled it in every state amid coronavirus worries.

The Special Olympics of Utah also announced Monday that they have canceled their 2020 state basketball tournament.


Coronavirus Resources

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What is COVID-19? Here’s What You Need To Know To Stay Healthy

What We Know And Don’t Know About The Coronavirus

The latest coronavirus stories from KSL TV can be found here.

Your Life Your Health: How can parents prepare their home, children against coronavirus?

How Do I Prevent It?

The CDC has some simple recommendations, most of which are the same for preventing other respiratory illnesses or the flu:

  • Avoid close contact with people who may be sick
  • Avoid touching your face
  • Stay home when you are sick
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

The CDC does not recommend wearing a facemask respirator to protect yourself from coronavirus unless a healthcare professional recommends it.

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Coronavirus Worries Affecting Big Events In Utah