Gov. Gary R. Herbert issued a “Stay Safe, Stay Home” directive to all Utahns today. This is not a shelter in place order, but rather the next step in the Urgent Phase laid out in the Utah Leads Together plan. This directive seeks to make clear what individuals and businesses should do to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our state and communities.
“I’m tremendously grateful to all Utahns who are already taking steps to stay at home whenever possible,” the governor said. “While we are seeing positive indications that this is slowing the spread of coronavirus in our communities, we need to do more. The clear directives issued today will help Utahns understand what activities are safe — and if we unite behind these instructions as if our lives depended upon them, we will, in fact, save many lives.”
Goals of the directive are to flatten the curve, reduce the strain on hospitals and the healthcare system, and minimize the impact on medical resources for those with highest need.
Utahns are expected to stay home whenever possible. The directive includes specific instructions for all individuals, high-risk individuals (60 years and older and those with serious underlying medical conditions), and children. The directives regarding hygiene, gatherings, travel, and outdoor recreation are effective immediately.
Businesses that remain open are reminded to comply with all public health orders, offer telework options wherever possible, continue following strict hygiene policies, and implement enhanced social distancing measures in the workplace where telework is not an option.
View the full directive here.