CORONAVIRUS

Gov. Herbert: ‘Stronger Measures’ To Be Considered If COVID-19 Cases Don’t Drop

Jul 10, 2020, 4:31 PM

Gov. Gary Herbert conducts a press briefing while wearing a face mask on April 7, 2020....

Gov. Gary Herbert conducts a press briefing while wearing a face mask on April 7, 2020.

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Gov. Gary Hebert said state officials will consider implementing “stronger measures, including a mask mandate,” if Utah does not see a quick drop in new COVID-19 cases.

On Friday, health officials reported a record-high 867 new virus cases and two more deaths.

Utah’s seven-day rolling average was at 620 cases Friday, with a weeklong average of positive tests at 10 percent.

“From the beginning of the pandemic, I have appreciated the advice from our leaders in the healthcare industry. They are on the front lines of fighting the pandemic and understand as well as anyone the terrible consequences of COVID-19,” Herbert said. “Today we reported a disturbing new record of cases. As I said yesterday, if we cannot quickly bring the number of cases down by the voluntary use of masks and physical distancing we will consider stronger measures, including a mask mandate, as Texas and other states have implemented.”

Officials with the Utah Department of Health said 66 percent of the state’s ICU beds were occupied, but representatives from Utah’s hospital systems said that number is actually closer to 72 percent. Intermountain Healthcare officials said they are approaching 77 percent of their ICU capacity.

“I don’t think at this point we can avoid maximizing our hospital capacity,” said Arlen Jarrett, chief medical officer for Steward Health Care. “It’s clear we’re going to be maxing out our hospitals.”

Health care leaders address importance of mandatory masking requirements

Physicians & clinical leaders from Utah's major health care systems address importance of mandatory masking requirements to reduce transmission of COVID-19

Posted by KSL 5 TV on Friday, July 10, 2020

“I think it’s too late to make that change,” he added. “We can’t wait until August.”

Earlier this week, Greg Bell, president and CEO of the Utah Hospital Association, said while hospitals may not run out of ICU beds, they will experience shortages in medical personnel and technicians with proper training to treat COVID-19 patients if cases and corresponding hospitalizations rise at current levels.

“Beds don’t treat people. People treat people,” said Mark Briesacher, Intermountain’s chief medical officer.

Herbert on Thursday announced masks will be mandatory for students and teachers as schools reopen for the fall. However, he did not extend the mandate to all of Utah.

Instead, the governor issued a challenge to Utah residents to wear masks in public, adding he wants to give citizens a chance to do the right thing on their own.

“As leaders from our churches, hospitals and our businesses have reiterated, all we ask is wear a mask,” Herbert said.

Gov. Herbert Coronavirus Update

LIVE: Gov. Gary Herbert and state epidemiologist Dr. Angela Dunn are holding a press conference with updates on the state's efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19

Posted by KSL 5 TV on Thursday, July 9, 2020


Coronavirus Resources

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 recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

How To Get Help

If you’re worried you may have COVID-19, you can contact the Utah Coronavirus Information Line at 1-800-456-7707 to speak to trained healthcare professionals. You can also use telehealth services through your healthcare providers.

Additional Resources

If you see evidence of PRICE GOUGING, the Utah Attorney General’s Office wants you to report it. Common items in question include toilet paper, water, hand sanitizer, certain household cleaners, and even cold medicine and baby formula. Authorities are asking anyone who sees price gouging to report it to the Utah Division of Consumer Protection at 801-530-6601 or 800-721-7233. The division can also be reached by email at consumerprotection@utah.gov.

KSL 5 TV Live

Coronavirus

FILE: Former Utah Jazz John Stockton reacts during a 76-70 Wichita State win over the Gonzaga Bulld...

Michael Houck

Former Utah Jazz star John Stockton sues Washington medical director about COVID misinformation policy

Former Utah Jazz superstar John Stockton has filed a federal lawsuit against Washington officials on First Amendment violations, arguing the state's policy of COVID-19 misinformation is unconstitutional.

17 days ago

Deer Creek Reservoir...

Alex Cabrero

State parks expecting another record visitation year, hiring more workers

It didn't matter how cold or snowy it was at Deer Creek State Park Friday afternoon. Nothing was going to stop Leonard Sawyer from taking his boat out to do a little fishing.

1 month ago

FILE —  Respiratory virus illness activity continues to increase across the US.
(Joe Burbank/Orl...

Emma Benson

‘Not viruses to mess around with’: Experts urge caution during ongoing ‘tripledemic’

Experts say though not as severe as last year, this winter we're seeing another "tripledemic" – rising cases of COVID-19, flu and RSV in Utah.

3 months ago

FILE - COVID-19 antigen home tests. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison, File)Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS...

Emma Benson

‘The ICUs are full:’ Keep yourself and others healthy this holiday

It's time for holiday gatherings, but with more people around us comes a greater risk of getting sick.

3 months ago

Julianna Preece goes through the mountain of medical documents she's acquired for her health condit...

Lauren Steinbrecher

Herriman couple is suing CVS, says 5x Covid vaccine dose mistake caused health problems

A couple is suing a Utah CVS vaccination clinic, saying a nurse’s mistake led to the wife receiving five times the normal COVID-19 vaccine dose and caused serious health issues she’s still dealing with today.

4 months ago

FILE - COVID-19 antigen home tests. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison, File)Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS...

Associated Press

More free COVID-19 tests from the government are available for home delivery through the mail

Americans can order more free COVID-19 tests online for home delivery.

4 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Gov. Herbert: ‘Stronger Measures’ To Be Considered If COVID-19 Cases Don’t Drop