Provo to reopen with ‘Proceed with Caution’ plan

May 4, 2020, 9:44 AM | Updated: 9:58 am

Screenshot- Provo City

Former Digital Content Producer

PROVO, Utah — Provo City Mayor Michelle Kaufusi outlined Provo’s “Proceed with Caution” plan to reopen businesses as Utah’s COVID-19 risk level has been lowered to moderate.

Kaufusi said the plan has been guided by the state’s guidelines as Utah begins to slowly reopen.

“It captures the balance as Provo begins to cautiously open their economy with forwarding momentum but with the knowledge that risk still exists,” she said at a news conference Monday.

The plans outlined by Kaufusi were broken down into three different areas of responsibility: Individual, City and Community.

Kaufusi said Provo’s reopening could be turned around quickly if another spike in the number of cases is found.

To prevent that, Kaufusi outlined a number of safety guidelines for individuals to follow:

Get tested if you have any COVID-19 symptoms
Continue social distancing inside and outside
Practice good hygiene
Wear face masks whenever possible
Limit group gatherings to 20
Protect our high risk and vulnerable populations

Guidelines for Businesses

The city of Provo also released guidelines for the opening of businesses as it moves forward with the ‘Proceed with Caution’ plan.

The city asks that all employers take extreme precautions as they begin reintroducing their workforce.

The city still encourages that remote work can be done if at all possible. But where it’s not possible, employers should limit the number of face-to-face interactions and, when necessary, ensure that six feet of social distancing is kept.

Restaurants

Provo City is still encouraging takeout, delivery and curbside pickup for restaurants, but said that dine-in services are allowed with extreme caution.

The city said that all restaurant services employees should be wearing face coverings and be checked for COVID-19 symptoms.

They also encourage that workstations be staggered so that employees can maintain a 6-foot social distance, while sanitizing their hands between handling payment and food containers.

Retail

For grocery stores, pharmacies and other retail establishments Provo is asking for help from both customers and employers.

The city is asking that everyone wear face coverings and maintain at least a 6-foot social distance.

For this to be maintained, Provo City is asking stores to implement one-way aisles and limit the number of patrons to 1 person per 120 sq. ft.

They are also asking that employers assign an employee to disinfect both carts and baskets after each use and provide hand sanitizer at checkout counters and the entrance and exits.

Gyms

Provo is still recommending that gyms remain closed, but if they are open they are encouraging strict social distancing and cleaning.

If gyms are reopening the city is requiring that all employees be checked for COVID-19 symptoms including temperature checks that must be logged and available for inspection from the health department.

In addition to that, the social distancing guidelines for gyms are upped to 10 feet, and staff will be required to sanitize equipment after every use.

A full list of Provo’s health guidelines for businesses to reopen can be found here.

How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19Coronavirus

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.
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.