SLC Mayor: City may act alone on ‘stay-at-home’
Mar 26, 2020, 6:29 PM | Updated: Mar 27, 2020, 12:08 pm
(Photo Screen grab, Twitter)
SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall says a statewide stay-at-home order might be needed for Utah. But she is ready to enact such an order on her own if state leaders do not.
Like many, I’m eager to issue a stay at home order. But as a capital city surrounded by & relied upon by others throughout Utah, our efforts are only as good as the efforts of those around us. Moving ahead with the state will be more effective. If we can’t, I’m ready to act soon pic.twitter.com/vFVlpwtdgP
— SLC Mayor Erin Mendenhall (@slcmayor) March 26, 2020
Via her Twitter account, Mendenhall said she and other city officials are considering what a stay at home order would require.
She says she and her staff are considering all available data. They are also examining the “best models” available to get the clearest picture possible about what is happening in Utah and across the globe. She says they are using that information to determine what will be needed in the future.
Current safeguards are working
Mayor Mendenhall said that the self-isolating and closures currently happening will help determine how long the virus has an economic impact.
She says she wants the economic impact to be short, and for the virus’ impact to be small.
Mendenhall said she is ready to take action as the leader of Salt Lake City, but that, as with air pollution, actions taken by the city alone “only go so far.”
Mendenhall says she is working with Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson to move closer to a state-wide stay at home order. She says if that doesn’t happen, she can take action alone.
Mendenhall says now is the time to set down the politics and solve real issues as a community.
KSL Newsradio’s Nicholas Wyatt contributed to this story.
How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus
COVID-19 coronavirus is transmitted from person to person. It is a virus that is similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
- Don’t touch your face.
- Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet)
- If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities.)
- Get a flu shot.
Resources for more information
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization