COVID-19

UPDATE: Thursday, March 12, 4:10 p.m.
    Following the recommendations of the state’s coronavirus task force, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources postponed or canceled several public events.
    Canceled events are:
  March 14: Wild swan viewing events and activities at Farmington Bay and Salt Creek wildlife management areas;
    March 28: Mountain goat viewing event at Rock Creek in northeastern Utah;
    March 28: Turkey hunting clinic at the Eccles Education Wildlife Center; and
    March 28: Turkey hunting clinic in Monticello
   Postponed events are a seminar about fishing Utah Lake in Springville, and a walleye fishing seminar in Salt Lake City.
    The following events will be postponed to a later date (yet to be determined):
    DWR events scheduled for April have not yet been canceled and will be evaluated after receiving additional direction from state health officials and state leaders.

    The state coronavirus task force announced at a press conference today several proactive measures intended to help limit the spread of the disease.
    Top among those is a recommendation (not a requirement) to cancel, suspend or otherwise gatherings of more than 100 people, including church and religious services, concerts, concerts and other events for at least the next two weeks. The task force said the recommendation does not apply to K-12 schools. Schools are being asked to coordinate with local health departments to determine if or when it’s appropriate to close schools.
    Relatedly the Utah High School Activities Association announced the suspension of the state debate competition this weekend, and all spring activities beginning Monday, March 16.
    All Utah colleges and universities will offer classes online as quickly as possible. Social distancing and limiting travel are also highly encouraged. Campuses and student services will still be open, and labs will still be held. School-sponsored events and gatherings are encouraged to be canceled.
   Long-term care facilities for elderly citizens will be highly restricted and only allow screened access. COVID-19 has shown to be particularly fatal to those 60 and older. Willow Glen Health and Rehab in Brigham City announced this afternoon that no visitors will be allowed.
    The task force also recommended that:
    · Those 60 or older, or with compromised immune systems or underlying medical conditions should limit participation with groups of 20 or more people.
    · Businesses are being asked to allow workers to telecommute immediately, if they are able. The task force also asks businesses to make telecommuting available to as many employees as possible.
    ·Teachers and staff at K-12 schools should take great care to keep classrooms clean such as regular cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces, and having students wash their hands more frequently.
    Across the nation, events are being suspended or canceled, including the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, MLB’s spring training is suspended, and the season opener will be postponed two weeks. Disneyland will close on Monday and remain closed until the end of March.
    World wide, China is beginning to see a decrease of cases, but other places, like Italy, are seeing an increase of cases that is overwhelming that county’s health care system.
    Experts have warned that unless communities take proactive measures and enact aggressive intervention to prevent the spread of the disease, health-care systems could be overwhelmed.
    According to the Bear River Health Department website, everyone can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by following these tips:
    · Stay home if you are sick;
    · Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing;
    · Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
    · Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available;
    · Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
    ·Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes; and
    ·Get a flu vaccine.