TriCounty Health District will be moving to a new state designation in the Utah Leads Together Plan after local leaders met with TriCounty Health officials and the decision was made to petition the state for the change. TriCounty Health issued the following announcement on Thursday evening: “On June 18, 2020, Utah Governor Gary Herbert announced that Daggett, Duchesne and Uintah counties are moving to the “green” phase in the Utah Leads Together Plan, effective June 19th at noon. Moving to “green” during a local rise in positive COVID-19 testing (11 new positives between June 11th and June 18th), means the public needs to be responsible in their actions to protect themselves and others against exposure. Due to the increased risk the following actions are still strongly encouraged: continue to social distance where feasible, wear a face covering when in public and where social distancing (six feet) is not feasible, practice proper hygiene, staying home when sick and monitor symptoms, and getting tested when symptomatic. “It is important for everyone to understand that this transition to ‘green’ does not mean the risk of COVID-19 is gone,” said Jordan Mathis, TriCounty Health Officer. “In fact, the risk has never been greater, it simply means that the responsibility for mitigating the risk has been transferred from public health and the government to each individual and business. It is contingent on each of us to do our part to protect ourselves and others. I urge everyone to follow the recommendations given to keep our communities safe and healthy.” ‘Green’ allows businesses to open and be in full control of their own policies regarding COVID-19, by implementing individual guidelines that work for each business. Businesses will no longer be restricted by guidance from the TriCounty Health Department or Governor in regards to COVID-19 as a way to balance economic growth as TCHD and the community combat the ongoing pandemic. TCHD urges the communities in Daggett, Duchesne and Uintah counties to continue to do their part in protecting themselves, their neighbors and high-risk individuals.”
