Salt Lake County declares public health emergency; suspends dine-in services
Mar 16, 2020, 11:28 AM | Updated: 11:42 am
n 2020, Covid restrictions ground the nation's bustling restaurant industry to a halt. (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
SALT LAKE COUNTY — A temporary ban on dine-in service at Salt Lake County restaurants will take effect late Monday night, as health officials work to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The Salt Lake County Health Department declared a public health emergency Monday, in effect enacting a ban on dine-in services at area restaurants.
READ MORE: COVID-19: Your questions, answered by the KSL factchecking team
The health order requires all businesses to implement social distancing measures and exclude symptomatic employees from working.
Dine-in ban just part of Salt Lake County plan
The measures also include specific guidelines for the food and beverage industry including:
- Prohibition of dine-in services — only take-out, curbside, pickup or delivery will be allowed with some modifications
- Drop service only for delivery
- Eliminating seating options for grocery stores and cafeterias
BREAKING: Salt Lake County Health Department has issued a public health emergency, regarding #COVIDー19. Measures include prohibition of in-dining service at all county restaurants pic.twitter.com/0yFb9QYjed
— Carter Williams (@cwilliamsKSL) March 16, 2020
In addition, all retail and service-oriented businesses will be required to implement social distancing measures — meaning employees must maintain a six-foot distance between customers in the establishment. Workers experiencing respiratory illness symptoms cannot enter the business, with no exceptions.
The health order will become effective at 11 p.m. on Monday.
This story is developing and will be updated.
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.
Local resources
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 Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization
