US: Officials maintaining COVID-19 restrictions in Utah as of Jan. 11 /update 14

State- and county-level COVID-19 restrictions in Utah, US, remain largely unchanged as of Jan. 11.

Event

Restrictions implemented in Utah to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the state level remain largely unchanged as of Jan. 11.

State-level instructions require individuals over the age of two to wear protective facemasks and maintain a distance of at least 1.8 meters (six feet) from others whenever in indoor locations, including private businesses. The order also requires individuals over the age of two to wear facemasks in outdoor settings if they cannot maintain social distancing measures.

Utah continues to use a system called the Transmission Index to characterize individual counties as being at one of three levels based on several factors, such as test positivity rate, case rates per 100,000 residents, and hospital intensive care unit bed availability.

Under the Low Transmission Level, the lowest level in the index, authorities recommend gatherings be limited to a maximum of 50 people; gyms can open without restrictions, and social distancing measures should be in place in most businesses, including bars and restaurants. As of Jan. 11, Daggett, Rich, and Wayne counties are on the Low Transmission Level.

Under the Moderate Transmission Level, authorities recommend gatherings of 10 or fewer people and social distancing measures to be maintained in all restaurants and bars, even when customers are seated, as well as in gyms and fitness centers. Additionally, bars may operate at no more than 75-percent capacity. Social distancing measures must also be in place at public gatherings. As of Jan. 11, no county is at the Moderate Transmission Level.

Under the High Transmission Level, the highest in the index, authorities recommend gatherings to be limited to 10 or fewer people with social distancing measures in place. In restaurants and bars, masks are mandatory except when customers are actively eating or drinking; tables must be placed at least 1.8 meters (six feet) from each other and should be limited to members of the same household only. Gyms can operate with social distancing measures in place. As of Jan. 11, all remaining counties, including Salt Lake, Utah, Davis, Weber, and Washington, are at the High Transmission Level.

Businesses must ensure compliance with health and social distancing standards, as well as enforce the facemask orders. They must post signage that lists COVID-19 symptoms, asks employees and customers experiencing such symptoms to stay home, and warn that facemask and social distancing measures are in effect.

The orders authorize local health departments to issue more stringent requirements upon individuals and businesses. Municipalities and counties with particularly high COVID-19 infection rates will likely enforce additional provisions. All requirements are subject to change with little to no notice.

Advice

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.