SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (ABC4 News)- Gov. Gary Herbert will update the press daily on how Utah is working to combat coronavirus.
Check back weekdays at 1:30 p.m. (sometimes 1:00) for the latest or watch here.
Have questions about coronavirus? Ask them here
TUESDAY 4/28 (1:30 pm start):
Governor Herbert says Utah is ready to move into the next stage of the plan to re-open Utah. A program funded by the federal CARE Act was also announced. It’s called “A Mask For Every Utahn“. Click the links for more information.
THURSDAY 4/23 (1:30 start):
In today’s briefing, Gov. Herbert will address State efforts to support Utah’s multicultural community through the COVID-19 crisis. Dr. Angela Dunn will have the latest on cases in Utah. Over 1,050 have recovered from the virus in Utah.
WEDNESDAY 4/22:
The State of Utah is going to open the beta testing phase for Healthy Together, a symptom checking and contact tracing app designed to help Utahns work together to slow the spread of COVID-19. Today 3,445 cases were reported. Read more about the app, “Healthy Together” here.
FRIDAY 4/20:
Dr. Angela Dunn answers questions about actions being taken to curb the spread of COVID-19.
FRIDAY 4/17:
Governor Herbert and other Utah leaders released a plan to reopen Utah. It’s called “Utah Leads Together 2.0”
TUESDAY 4/14:
Gov. Herbert announced the schools will remain on a “soft closure” for the remainder of the school year. Superintendent Syd Dickson shared the State’s plan for public and charter schools for the remainder of the school year. Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/34z6gFY
Friday 4/10:
Thursday 4/09:
The governor extended his directive on Thursday that was initially supposed to end on April 13th through the end of the month. He also asked people to wear masks in public.
Wednesday 4/08:
Gov. Herbert said he is issuing an order this week in advance of Easter weekend requiring all individuals who are 18 years or older to complete a COVID-19 travel declaration form when entering our state. This will be required at the airport, and on our roadways.
More about the declaration forms can be found here.
Tuesday 4/07:
Gov. Herbert said the federal CARES Act allocates $350 billion for small businesses. He said that businesses can also apply to the Small Business Administration.
FRIDAY 4/03:
The governor asked people to only travel if necessary and to avoid inviting people over and gathering together.
Friday the governor ordered Zion National Park to close.*
*At one point the governor misspoke and said the state parks are closed. He clarified that the parks are not closed, but will remain open to locals only.
THURSDAY 4/02:
On Thursday, Gov. Gary Herbert announced a partnership with Silicon Slopes Serves called the #TestUtahChallenge to double the state’s COVID-19 daily testing ability.
New Utah unemployment claims up 2400% from last year
WEDNESDAY 4/01:
Beginning today the governor’s news conference will be held from now on in conjunction with the Utah Department of Health’s press conference daily at 1 p.m.
During the press conference, the Governor said he has approved differing rent through May 15 and is prohibiting evictions. He also asked all Utahns to STAY HOME and avoid traveling.
TUESDAY 3/31:
Governor Herbert announced a free online course designed to help small businesses weather the storm.
The course, called Navigating COVID-19: How to save your business, will teach the following:
- Steps to take right now to position your business for a more rapid recovery
- Where to get immediate business assistance
- What sources of information you should listen to
He also announced Maj. Jefferson Burton will lead day-to-day operations of the Utah Dept. of Health.
*Updates to this section will be provided as more information becomes available.
MONDAY 3/30:
Utah Governor Gary Herbert issued two executive orders Monday related to the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The first allows state and local agencies to hire to recently retired individuals in order to “meet needs for critical government functions.” The second-order allows the Governor’s Office of Economic Development to tap into the fund in order to offer zero-interest loans to small businesses under the Utah Leads Together Small Business Bridge Loan Program.
Read more on how to apply here.
FRIDAY 3/27:
Governor Herbert issued a statewide directive to “Stay Safe, Stay Home.”
The directive asks all Utahns to work from home whenever possible, engage in appropriate social distancing and follow strict hygiene standards.
