Southeast Utah filling up despite stay home orders
Apr 2, 2020, 8:20 AM
San Rafael Swell. (Photo: Dave Cawley, KSL Newsradio)
(Photo: Dave Cawley, KSL Newsradio)
The Southeast Utah Health District is updating its health order for Carbon, Emery and Grand Counties.
Businesses such as hair and beauty salons, massage parlors and tattoo businesses are closed through April 15th.
An order earlier this month for the area limited mass gatherings and encouraged people to work from home where possible. That is in line with the governor’s directives.
Locals are concerned because crowds continue to swarm to the area. The San Rafael Swell, for example, has seen a lot of visitors from out of the county and out of state.
Tourists, campers and hikers have been going north to Emery County with the closures of other national sites.
Officials also tell the Deseret News they are also concerned about outdoor programs for troubled youth still accepting clients from out of state.
Those programs have the capacity to serve 715 youth. But they say they are classified as an “essential business,” and are following medical and social distancing guidelines.
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
