Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall talks COVID-19 on Twitter
Apr 3, 2020, 5:29 PM
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall signed the termination of Executive Order No. 3 on Tuesday. The Executive Order required the wearing of masks in city buildings and vehicles. (Photo: @slcmayor Twitter account)
(Photo: @slcmayor Twitter account)
SALT LAKE CITY – Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall answered questions about how the city is handling the COVID-19 pandemic during a Q&A session on Twitter.
Mendenhall asked people to follow Salt Lake County’s Stay At Home order to help flatten the curve.
“Truly the best thing to do, and the thing that is going to save lives, is what we are doing right now. The county-wide order is important. Follow it, and encourage your family and friends to do the same. Also, #SLC is working to get State support to do screenings at [Salt Lake City International Airport],” Mendenhall tweeted.
Several people also asked the mayor why she wanted a statewide Stay At Home order, a move that has been opposed by poorer and rural residents of Utah, who believe that it would hurt them even more economically.
Mendenhall also addressed the low COVID-19 infection rate in rural Utah at the same time.
“Everything we do right now is to prevent a healthcare system breakdown when we are projected to hit a peak as a state…So although numbers may look great now, we’re planning for a future where it’s not projected to look as great. Our number one goal is for people to live. To achieve that, we need the hospitals to stay functioning, and for everyone to work together,” Mendenhall tweeted.
The mayor was also asked why Salt Lake City has not required everyone to wear a mask when they’re outside.
“The mask shortage for medical professionals who are putting their lives on the line is critical. First responders are our day-to-day fronline and desperately need them more than the general public,” Mendenhall responded. However, she reiterated her support for people making and wearing their own masks to protect themselves from COVID-19.
As for businesses who are struggling, Mendenhall provided a link to an emergency loan program but believes federal, state, and city leaders will have to work together to get everyone back on their feet.
The city’s actions will be based on the latest data from The Salt Lake County Health Department.
Mendenhall also called Salt Lake City residents “resilient”, and she appreciates what people have done for others during the COVID-19 crisis.
“Seeing Salt Lakers play instruments on the lawns of elderly neighbors, encouraging messages written in chalk on our sidewalks or hung in windows, and people donating to help our SLC food&bev workers…SO much beauty abounding!” Mendenhall tweeted.
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:
LOCAL:
State of Utah: https://coronavirus.utah.gov/
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707
National Links
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization
