County Leaders Consider Extending Stay-At-Home Orders

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – It could be a while before Utahns see government-ordered restrictions easing.

Officials in both Salt Lake and Summit counties have confirmed they plan to extend stay-at-home orders.

Summit County’s order will now last until May 1, and Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson said the county’s order could last until Memorial Day or longer.

Those orders mean people are asked to continue to social distance and limit travel. Non-essential businesses such as gyms, spas and resorts will remain closed, and gatherings of more than 10 people are temporarily banned. Schools in those counties will also likely be affected.

Wilson said she’ll make an official soon on how long the county’s stay-at-home order will remain in effect.

Currently, only Davis, Salt Lake and Summit counties have stay-at-home orders. Gov. Gary Herbert has issued a statewide directive called “Stay Safe, Stay Home,” which encourages residents to social distance and stay home unless necessary. However, it does not impose a penalty for those who don’t follow the suggestions.

The Salt Lake County Council on Tuesday voted to extend the public health emergency declaration until July 5.

The extended emergency declaration allows the county to continue to apply for federal emergency funds, which will be reimbursed for COVID-19 response efforts.

Utah is one of eight states nationally – including Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Oklahoma and Arkansas – without a statewide stay-at-home order. Groups including the Utah Academy of Family Physicians and the Utah House Democrats have officially called on Herbert to issue an order for the entire state.