Salt Lake County latest to issue “Stay Safe, Stay Home” order

Mar 29, 2020, 2:45 PM | Updated: 3:07 pm

The main list of acute symptoms at this time is actually quite short and can appear anywhere from two to 14 days after exposure to the virus, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Credit: CNN

BY BECKY BRUCE

News Director

SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake County issued its own “Stay Safe, Stay Home” order on Sunday, bringing the county in line with guidelines set by Gov. Gary Herbert last week.

The order from Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and the Salt Lake County Health Department takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday morning, Mar. 30, 2020.

Salt Lake County: Stay Safe. Stay Home.

“This order complements both the Governor’s directive and the intent of Salt Lake City’s current order. Our collective goal is to save lives and keep our health system from being overwhelmed,” said Mayor Jenny Wilson in a news release. “Reducing opportunities for people to congregate is one of the most important things we can do to help ‘flatten the curve’ and minimize stress on our healthcare system. This order strikes the right balance between public and economic health by prohibiting only the business practices most concerning when it comes to transmission of COVID-19.”

The language in the announcement from Salt Lake County suggests the “Stay Safe, Stay Home” order will not result in criminal penalties for those caught in violation.

“State law requires penalties for violating a local public health order,” the county’s news release stated. “While penalties outlined by state code classify the offense as a misdemeanor (class B for the initial offense, class A for repeat offenses), Salt Lake County has asked local municipalities to enforce the public health order initially via warnings rather than citations. Repeat or egregious offenders may be cited and charged.”

Businesses impacted

The order, which remains in place through April 13, closes businesses that could be seen as “gathering places” or where people are in close contact. That includes beauty salons, barber shops, waxing salons, eyebrow threaders, day spas and tattoo parlors. It also includes pools, zoos, parks, aquariums, bowling alleys, and more.

Businesses considered essential and therefore open include grocery stores, childcare centers, hotels and media. However, those businesses are instructed to follow certain guidelines, such as keeping people with symptoms from working and practicing social distancing of six feet at a minimum between workers.

The full list of businesses affected is available on the county’s website.

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.