Governor: No health order, but Thanksgiving guidelines coming
Nov 19, 2020, 8:35 AM | Updated: 10:59 am
(Robynn Garfield KSL NewsRadio)
(Robynn Garfield KSL NewsRadio)
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s governor said the state will not issue any health order for what Utahns can or cannot do in their own homes over Thanksgiving, but says they will be releasing suggested health guidelines.
In a special edition of KSL NewsRadio’s Let Me Speak to the Governor, Gov. Gary Herbert told Utah’s Morning News on Thursday that while the public health order will expire before Thanksgiving, the state will release guidelines emphasizing ways to stay safe over the holiday season.
“That kind of casual gathering situation where we have so many people, that’s where our infection rates are really the highest,” Herbert said.
“We understand the desire to get together with our families during the Thanksgiving holidays, and we’re going to eliminate the portion of the order that tells you what you have to do inside your own home.
“That being said, we’re also going to give you some guidelines as far as what you should be doing,” he continued.
Update: see the guidelines from Utah’s governor for Thanksgiving here
Herbert said that the state will have “common sense” guidelines posted across their websites with suggestions like keeping gatherings smaller or dividing families from different groups in different homes.
Mask mandate to continue
Herbert said that while the “hard reset” public health orders issued earlier this month will expire on Monday that does not apply to the statewide mask mandate.
“The mask mandate will continue,” Herbert said.
“We want to see the numbers turn around. That doesn’t mean it would be indefinite, but the mask mandate we think is going to help us turn the numbers around and it’s going to help us improve the economy.”
This story is breaking and will be updated.
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).
- Get a flu shot.
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
