TriCounty Health Officer Jordan Mathis provided further clarification about the Governor’s new COVID-19 orders during Tuesday’s KLCY Give’m Health interview. By now most people have heard that there is a statewide mask mandate meaning anytime you are within 6 feet of someone not of your household you should wear a mask. Businesses are required to post signage that masks are required for patrons within their place of business. Finally, social gatherings are restricted until November 23rd. While the social gathering restrictions are expected to lighten at that time the mask mandate will stay in place, explains Mathis. Sporting and extracurricular events are on pause for now but private studios like dance and karate can continue to practice as long as they follow masking and social distancing guidelines. K through 12 schools are open but things are moving towards regularly testing athletes once sporting events are again allowed. Mathis described this as a ‘test to play’ type policy. Higher education establishments are required to set up weekly testing of students by January 1st at the latest. UBTech shared on Monday that in response to the Governor’s orders they will begin testing of students in the coming weeks. The motivation behind the Governor’s orders are due to the growing strain on the healthcare system. “We’ve had 45 hospitalizations and seen a pretty big increase locally,” explains Mathis. “Hospitals are starting to see a huge influx even locally and so we do need to do something to keep our medical field up and running.” To learn more, visit www.tricountyhealth.com or coronavirus.utah.gov.
