The Coronavirus: Staying Informed and Taking Precautions

March 5, 2020

With the coronavirus (COVID-19) continually making headlines, many Utah citizens are asking about our state preparations. The short answer: Utah is ready. Utah and its citizens are uniquely prepared to handle this situation. We have a culture of collaboration, preparedness and caring for neighbors. Our government is fiscally prudent and maintains a rainy day fund. We have conquered previous similar challenges and will continue to work together during this time. Even though this is a worrisome public health situation, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) believes the immediate coronavirus health risk to the general public is low. The governor created a task force and activated the Incident Command System to ensure effective communication and coordination. The task force includes members of the medical community, business community, Utah State Board of Education, Utah Department of Public Health and faith-based communities. The goal is to minimize disruptions and maximize safety. Utah has a distinct advantage with the Intermountain Medical Center (IMED) in Murray. It is one of the few hospitals in the nation with a special medical unit designed specifically for treating high-risk infectious patients. IMED’s staff is trained to effectively manage and contain even the Ebola virus, which is much more serious than COVID-19. For this reason, the CDC recently reached out to request we admit a coronavirus patient, who is a Utahn, into our special unit. There is a lot of misinformation about COVID-19. Accurate information, facts and prevention tips about COVID-19 can be found online at coronavirus.utah.gov as well as on social media – @UtahCoronavirus. Utah citizens can trust these sources, which are being continually updated. To help reduce the spread of all sickness, we can each take preventive steps, including

  • Covering coughs or sneezes with a tissue and then throwing the tissue in the trash

  • Proper handwashing – 30 seconds with warm soapy water – taking care to include both thumbs

  • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick

  • Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe

  • Supporting our personal immune systems through adequate rest and good nutrition

  • Staying at home if sick.

These practices will not only help prevent the spread of the coronavirus but will also help protect against seasonal flu viruses. In the spirit of taking precautions, the task force is asking families and organizations to formulate contingency plans. For example, what would your family do if you needed to be quarantined for 14 days? How can we use technology to manage possible brief disruptions to businesses and education? What childcare plans can be made in the event that a school is temporarily closed?

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