South Salt Lake to connect people to financial resources during outbreak

SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah – Some people in South Salt Lake have been struggling financially since the Coronavirus outbreak, with lost jobs and worries about missing rent or mortgage payments.

That’s why the City Council is thinking about how to connect people to free financial resources during the pandemic.

South Salt Lake City Councilwoman At-Large Natalie Pinkney came up with the idea. She says everything is in the planning stages now, but the city may start small.

“What can we do to revamp our website and put some information on there? Provo city has a 3-1-1, and that’s kind of my proposal, which is do we have staff members that maybe could just answer a phone and [take] some questions,” Pinkney says.

Ultimately, Pinkney would like to partner with a non-profit to have a year-round financial empowerment center where residents could get help for free from a financial adviser.

For now, Pinkney and the rest of the council want people to practice good social distancing while getting good information.

“Even though we are in this digital age, a lot of people don’t know what to Google or where to go. As city employees or elected officials, we have so much information that we are gathering on a daily basis. How can we make that more transparent?” Pinkney says.

It’s unclear when exactly the city council will take up the issue, but it could be as soon as next week.

 

Related articles:

Second Salt Lake City Councilmember tests positive for COVID-19

Second COVID-19 death reported in Utah; cases now at 480 statewide

Here’s what coronavirus does to your lungs

 

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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/

Utah State Board of Education

Utah Hospital Association

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

Cases in the United States