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.
The health and safety of our customers, employees, and partners is our highest priority. Given the current state of Coronavirus globally, we are rescheduling #QualtricsX4 to early fall. Please see our blog for additional information. https://t.co/wxvaNrtv0w
— Qualtrics (@Qualtrics) March 3, 2020
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.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Today we made the decision to transform #Domopalooza 2020 from an in-person event for 3,000 people in Salt Lake City, Utah, to one that is 100% digital. You can read all the details here: https://t.co/WWlqV2WCIQ #DP20
— Domopalooza (@domopalooza) February 29, 2020
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.
The @utahjazz & @LHM have implemented proactive and preventative measures regarding COVID-19.#TakeNote https://t.co/zADydXZNnk
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 9, 2020
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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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.