ALL NEWS

Utah HERO Project working to study COVID-19 spread

Jan 11, 2021, 10:50 AM

test to stay...

Spencer Moore, a medical assistant with University of Utah Health, checks the saliva level of a COVID-19 test at the Rice-Eccles Stadium testing site in Salt Lake City on Monday, Nov. 30, 2020.

The data collection ‘HERO project’ in Utah is showing how schools – especially elementary schools – are safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The HERO Project at the University of Utah has been tracking the spread of COVID-19 through the community along with its effects on the economy.

HERO stands for Health and Economic Recovery Outreach. It is sponsored by the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget. They set it up as a way to accurately determine how much COVID-19 has spread in Utah, without having to test every person in the state.

Working with other agencies, it has had a broad-based testing program for both community members and school children. They work with school districts to set up testing (more information on that is available here).

And they are finding out that elementary school children are far less likely to spread the new coronavirus than high school students.

“There are certain characteristics of elementary schools. Students tend to be in a single setting, rather than multiple settings during the day,” said U professor Steven Alder.

Members on the HERO Project team have testified to school officials and Utah lawmakers about the low transmission rates for schools with safety measures, because of this data they have been collecting.

The HERO Project has been testing and tracking the pandemic since last spring in the state, in a partnership with the CDC and other agencies.

Alder says they’ve determined that some public health measures can have a positive impact on the economy.

“Things like mandates of masks actually have a benefit to economic activity,” he said.

They say stopping the spread of COVID-19 and reengaging in social and economic life requires transitioning from social distancing to a testing system that provides accurate information quickly.

The project determined that exposure to the coronavirus in the general public has risen to about ten percent. It was one percent in June.


How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronaviruses 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.
  • Wear a mask.
  • 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.

Local resources

KSL Coronavirus Q&A

Utah’s Coronavirus Information

Utah State Board of Education

Utah Hospital Association

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707

National Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization

Cases in the United States

 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

All News

a cat and her kitten shown, Fawn's Family Rescue provides quality time with adoptable ctas...

Heather Peterson

Fawn’s Family Rescue provides lounge to interact with adoptable cats

Fawn's Family Rescue recently opened its doors in Bountiful. The new cat lounge provides a comfortable way for people to hang out with feline friends.

3 minutes ago

A n3-year degree may be an option...

Amie Schaeffer

Utah students could soon earn bachelor’s degree in 3 years

College students may be able to graduate with a bachelors degree in three years in some industries.

2 hours ago

Rain and snow expected Easter...

Adam Small

More rain and snow on it’s way for Easter

More rain and snow is headed to Utah on Thursday, and the wet weather is expected to hang around through Easter.

3 hours ago

Rep Phil Lyman shown, lyman dei comments came under scrutiny...

Emma Keddington

Rep. Phil Lyman defends post correlating DEI policies with Baltimore bridge collapse

Rep. Phil Lyman is defending a post made Tuesday, that said Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies had something to do with the Baltimore bridge collapse. 

3 hours ago

The Powder Baby Dry Shampoo team poses with its check after winning the 2024 Utah Entrepreneur Chal...

Logan Stefanich, KSL.COM

BYU student startup wins $30K at Utah Entrepreneur Challenge

BYU entrepreneur Kylee Black, who founded Powder Baby, said the cash prize will be instrumental in advancing her business.

4 hours ago

Utah Jazz Collin Sexton...

Ben Anderson

Jazz 3-18 Since Trade Deadline After Loss To Spurs

At 3-18 since the trade deadline, the Jazz now sit behind the 4-19 Portland Trail Blazers as the league’s worst team since February 8.

4 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Utah HERO Project working to study COVID-19 spread