FEMA adds $8.4 million to Utah’s COVID response fund
Nov 10, 2021, 2:58 PM | Updated: Aug 2, 2022, 12:40 pm
FEMA Photo: canva
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has allotted an additional $8.4 million to fund public assistance for Utah’s COVID-19 response.
The news came on a day that more than 1,500 new cases of COVID-19 were reported by Utah health officials and that 12 additional Utahns had died from the virus.
COVID-19 stats in Utah
COVID-19 in Utah, the latest (11/10/21):
✅ 1,531 new cases (330 school-aged kids)
✅ 28K+ more vaccines administered
✅ 571 people currently hospitalized
😔 12 additional Utahns have diedSource: https://t.co/DqVZR6x86O
— KSL NewsRadio (@kslnewsradio) November 10, 2021
Also on Wednesday, the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) reported 567,665 positive cases of COVID-19 in Utah since the onset of the pandemic.
In the last week, an average 1,608 people have tested positive each day.
To date, UDOH reported a total of 24,791 hospitalizations and 3,325 deaths from COVID-19 related complications.
FEMA provided $156.6 million so far
The $8.4 million was made available to Utah under the disaster declaration of April 4, 2020. The funding goes toward personal protective equipment (PPE) including medical gowns, N95 masks, and gloves. It also goes towards general efforts “to manage, control and reduce the immediate threat of COVID 19,” as described in a FEMA press release.
Since the disaster declaration was made in 2020, FEMA has provided $156.6 million to Utah for COVID-19 response and management.
According to FEMA officials, the application and funding process for Public Assistance has been simplified, adjusting for the magnitude and severity of the pandemic. FEMA said the changes should allow local officials to receive and use eligible funding more quickly.
How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus
COVID-19 coronavirus spreads person to person, 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.
- Wear a mask to protect yourself and others per CDC recommendations.
- 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).
- Obtain a flu shot.
- Seek out the COVID-19 vaccine.
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
