Governor Cox scheduled to get COVID-19 vaccine; gives update
Mar 25, 2021, 7:32 AM | Updated: 11:53 am
(PHOTO: Spenser Heaps/The Deseret News via AP, Pool)
(PHOTO: Spenser Heaps/The Deseret News via AP, Pool)
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Governor Spencer Cox says he was able to get scheduled for a COVID-19 vaccine.
Eligibility opened for all Utahns ages 16 and older on Wednesday, March 24th. Scheduling for some appointments started last week.
“I’ve got friends who were able to schedule their vaccines, I got my vaccine scheduled finally. My wife and I are excited. I think we are getting vaccinated tomorrow (Thursday),” the governor told KSL Newsradio’s Live Mic with Lee Lonsberry on Wednesday.
Gov. Cox schedules his vaccine
Cox is 45 years old and so he was not eligible for the vaccine until now. The vaccine rollout has gone in phases in Utah, starting with the oldest residents, nurses, first responders and teachers, then certain medical conditions and then adding in lower age groups.
Watch @SpencerJCox/@GovCox and @AbbyPalmerCox get their vaccines ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/s8twVAXCzr
— Mary Richards (@kslmrichards) March 25, 2021
Cox also gave an update on how the vaccination efforts are going in Utah. He said last week the state was ranked fifth in the nation for getting shots into arms. And Utah has one of the highest vaccination rates in the country for those over the age of 70. Cox says it’s well over the rate of 80 percent now.
“Things are looking up and there’s just a real positive energy in our state,” he said on KSL NewsRadio.
I stand by this choice. https://t.co/MEfjhpE2e8
— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) March 25, 2021
More updates from the governor
He held a Facebook Live Wednesday night where he gave an update on the legislative session and the COVID-19 pandemic.
He talked about negotiating April 10th for the end of the statewide mask mandate, which he signed into law on Wednesday.
“It doesn’t mean that you can’t wear a mask, in fact we encourage you to wear a mask, especially if you have not been vaccinated,” he said. “And the businesses can require masks as well, and many of them are doing that.”
Masks are also still required for large gatherings over 50 people, and for public schools.
“Just be patient, know that more and more appointments are opening up, so if you can’t get one now, please don’t give up. Keep trying,” he said.
Cox said over the next couple of weeks more doses will be coming.
“And in April we will start to move to walk-ins in a few places,” he said, adding that more information will be coming on that soon.
Vaccinefinder.org shows you different locations within a radius around you. Coronavirus.utah.gov also lists ways to get an appointment.
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.
- Get vaccinated.
Local resources
Utah’s Coronavirus Information
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
