Utah health guidance levels
COVID-19 Transmission Index
The transition from the phased guidelines of red, orange, yellow and green to the new COVID-19 Transmission Index was done to further strengthen the balance in our response to protect communities. It represents the collaborative work of state and local public health, the Governor’s Office, the hospital industry, business leaders, and important guidance from legislative leadership on the elements of the approach that will persist beyond the two week circuit breaker that was imposed.
The transmission index clarifies the public health metrics used to determine which counties are placed in which transmission level. Counties will be placed in one of three transmission levels: High, Moderate, or Low. These levels correspond directly to case rates, positivity rates, and ICU utilization.
Data will be analyzed weekly, and counties will be placed into a transmission level depending solely on what their data show. Changes from a lower level to a higher level may occur weekly. Changes from a higher level to a lower level may occur every 14 days at minimum, when thresholds are met.
The data helps us understand the real risk of transmission in our communities. Important health behaviors, based on epidemiology and medical science, are outlined at each level to protect yourself, your family, and your community from COVID-19.
Counties in High Level of Transmission
Masks required.
Counties in Moderate Level of Transmission
Masks directed by public health until 10/29.
Counties in Low Level of Transmission
Masks strongly recommended.
Actions for all individuals and businesses
Gathering safely
Casual social gatherings, such as family dinner, get togethers with friends, book club (not including formal religious services or events with organizational oversight)
High level of transmission
Social gatherings of 10 or fewer are permitted
Moderate level of transmission
Until 10/29: Social gatherings of 10 or fewer are permitted
After 10/29: Social gatherings of 25 or fewer are permitted. The size may exceed 25 if each individual wears a face mask.
Low level of transmission
Social gatherings of 50 or fewer are permitted. The size may exceed 50 if each individual wears a face mask.
Masks worn in public indoor settings, and outdoors, when physical distancing is not feasible; this includes both employees and patrons
A business may require masks in areas of moderate or low transmission
High level of transmission
Required
Moderate level of transmission
Until 10/29: Directed by public health
After 10/29: Strongly recommended by public health; mask requirement is at the discretion of county executives in consultation with the local health officer
Low level of transmission
Strongly recommended by public health; mask requirement is at the discretion of county executives in consultation with the local health officer
Physical distancing
Between household groups where feasible, even at social gatherings
Strongly recommended at all levels of transmissions
Hygiene practices
Strongly recommended at all levels of transmissions
Stay home when sick
Required at all levels of transmissions
Follow public health quarantine/isolation guidance
Required at all levels of transmissions
All businesses
- Refer to Business Manual
- Require 6’ of distancing between household groups, unless masks are worn
- Post signage listing COVID-19 symptoms, asking employees and customers with symptoms to stay home, and encouraging physical distancing
- Offer alternative pickup options when possible (such as curbside pickups, delivery, takeout)
- Ensure ventilation systems operate properly
- Plexiglass barriers between staff and customers where feasible at cash registers and customer service counters when 6’ distancing is difficult
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect restrooms at least twice daily
- Facilitate employees working from home when ill or if they are higher-risk individuals
- Stay Safe to Stay Open Pledge (or a similar industry-approved pledge that increases health and safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19) is strongly encouraged
- Exceptions for public gatherings and events may apply
Physical distancing in restaurants
(including buffets)
High level of transmission
6’ between parties at all times
(including waiting areas and when seated)
Moderate level of transmission
6’ distancing between parties strongly recommended when seated, required in waiting areas
Low level of transmission
6’ distancing between parties strongly encouraged
Bars
High level of transmission
6’ between parties at all times
(including waiting areas and when seated)
Moderate level of transmission
6’ distancing between parties strongly recommended; limit occupancy to 75% of capacity; patrons should wear a mask when intermingling with other parties
Low level of transmission
6’ distancing between parties strongly encouraged
Any establishment that allows public gathering, such as live events, movie theatres, sporting events, weddings, recreation and entertainment
- Masks are required; performers/athletes are exempt while performing
- Completion of Event Management Template is required
- Individual businesses will be expected to modify their operations based on individual outbreaks; Local Health Department discretion on severity of modifications, supported by UDOH
High level of transmission
- 6’ physical distancing between household groups
- Exception to 6’ physical distancing between household groups can be requested through county executives in consultation with the local health officer. Exceptions may be reviewed every 14 days. Due to the high risk of transmission in this level, exceptions will be rare and are strongly discouraged.
Moderate level of transmission
- 6’ physical distancing between household groups
- Exception to 6’ physical distancing between household groups can be requested through county executives in consultation with the local health officer. Exceptions may be reviewed every 14 days. Exceptions are discouraged, but may be more frequent than in high risk.
Low level of transmission
- 6’ physical distancing between household groups is strongly encouraged, side by side seating without physical distance between household groups is allowed.
Schools
- Refer to School Manual and Utah State Board of Education’s School Reopening Planning Handbook
- K-12 mask mandate still applies