Coronavirus updates: UTA to remain on schedule; Toronto Raptors test negative for COVID-19

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SALT LAKE CITY — Here are the latest coronavirus-related updates from Utah and around the world.

President Donald Trump declared a national emergency Friday as COVID-19 continues to spread.

Numerous events have also been canceled over the past couple of days as the global coronavirus pandemic continues disrupting sports leagues, public gatherings and education institutions.

Stay up to date on all COVID-19 news across Utah below. If you're on a mobile device and can't see the updates below, click on this link.

Friday, 11:19pm

US House passes COVID-19 aid package

President Donald Trump on Friday declared the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency, freeing up money and resources to fight the outbreak, and then threw his support behind an aid package in Congress that is on track to provide direct relief to Americans. Read the full story here.

Friday, 10:41pm

Donovan Mitchell's father and the last team to play the Utah Jazz test negative for coronavirus

All members of the Toronto Raptors' traveling party — players, coaches, staff, etc. — have tested negative for the novel coronavirus, the team announced on Friday. Read the full story here.

Friday, 10:26pm

Tuacahn Theatre postpones events in response to novel coronavirus

Friday, 08:14pm

UTA remains on schedule, follows all UDOH guidelines regarding COVID-19

Utah Transit Authority Spokesman Carl Arky says all of its public vehicles are cleaned on a daily basis and buses are deep cleaned monthly and trains quarterly. Hand sanitizer has also been issued to all public transportation operators.

A lot has happened in the last 48 hrs in an effort to help reduce the spread of #COVID19. We recognize that we provide a vital service and as of now, we are operating on our regular schedules. We will continue to monitor the situation and update you at https://t.co/863spKLWeX. pic.twitter.com/aVR4SqSCmc
— UTA (@RideUTA) March 13, 2020

Friday, 06:37pm

Church closes buildings in and around Temple Square

Public areas in the following buildings will remain closed indefinitely as of Friday at 5 p.m.

Conference Center

Assembly Hall

Tabernacle

North Visitors’ Center

Family History Library

Church History Museum

Relief Society Building

Church Office Building

Beehive House

Church History Library

Read the full story here.

Friday, 04:48pm

Utah public schools enact 'soft closure' for 2 weeks starting Monday

Gov. Gary Herbert announced on Friday that all school districts across the state will have a "soft closure" for two weeks, which starts on Monday. After two weeks, officials will reevaluate and decide what to do going forward. "Acting early is better than acting late," Herbert said. Read the full story here.

Friday, 03:19pm

Utah state corrections suspending visitation and volunteering

Utah Department of Corrections facilities are temporarily suspending all visitation and volunteering capabilities to prevent the coronavirus spread.

The Utah Department of Corrections is temporarily suspending all visiting and volunteering to state correctional facilities. Details available at https://t.co/fLxIgRvpKA #utahcovid19 pic.twitter.com/jRtDl3zsJ4
— Utah.gov (@UtahGov) March 13, 2020

Friday, 03:14pm

All Salt Lake City Library locations to close from March 15-29

All locations of the Salt Lake City Library will be closed from March 15-29 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the library said Friday.

All City Library locations will be closed from Sun, Mar 15-Sun, Mar 29. We are striving to do our part to help prevent the spread of this virus. If you have materials checked out, due dates have been extended until we re-open. As always, we will not charge any late fees. pic.twitter.com/7uaURHTFoz
— The City Library (@SLCPL) March 13, 2020

Friday, 03:11pm

Unified Police Department altering some policies to prevent coronavirus spread

The Unified Police Department shares the public’s concern over the COVID-19 situation.

In the interest of public safety and health, and to help slow the spread of new cases, UPD will be implementing some minor changes to our daily operations.
— Unified Police Dept (@UPDSL) March 13, 2020

Friday, 03:10pm

Utah liquor stores are not closing beyond normal business hours

All Utah State Liquor Stores are open and will remain open until normal closing time. There is no consideration of stores closing other than normal hours. Rumors spread on some social media sites are false. Utah State Liquor stores are open and closing time is normal.
— DABC Utah (@UTDABC) March 13, 2020

Friday, 01:50pm

New COVID-19 case confirmed in Salt Lake County

Another new case of COVID-19 was announced Friday in Salt Lake County, according to Utah Department of Health state epidemiologist Dr. Angela Dunn. The new Salt Lake County case announced Friday is travel-related and not a case of community spread, Dunn said. That person, a resident of Salt Lake County, was identified using telehealth and is currently isolated, she added. She did not release any further details about the case.

Friday, 01:40pm

Trump declares national emergency in response to the spread of COVID-19

President Donald Trump declared a national emergency Friday as the new coronavirus continues to spread. The emergency would open up nearly $50 billion for state and local governments to respond to the outbreak. Trump said he was also giving Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar emergency authorities to waive federal regulations and laws to give doctors and hospitals “flexibility” in treating patients. He also announced a new public-private partnership to expand coronavirus testing capabilities, as his administration has come under fire for being too slow in making the test available. The partnership will include drive-thru testing in some locations and an online portal to screen those seeking to get tested. Watch the president's announcement below.

Friday, 12:14pm

Church to restrict temple attendance 'by appointment only'

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will limit temple attendance across the world "as capacity permits by appointment only," according to a Friday news release. Read the full story here.

Friday, 12:09pm

2 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Summit County, officials say

Summit County has announced two new cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Both patients are male and under the age of 60, the Summit County Health Department said Friday. They were both visitors from out-of-state, but did not travel to Utah together.

Friday, 11:45am

These cities in Utah have declared a state of emergency

Park City, more details here

Millcreek, more details here

Draper City, more details here

Moab, more details here

Murray, more details here

Salt Lake City, more details here

Sandy City, more details here

South Jordan, more details here

Copperton, more details here

Friday, 11:14am

Salt Lake City Justice Court continues all jury trials through April 10

All jury trials within the Salt Lake City Justice Court system have been continued through April 10. That means they will be rescheduled, the court said. Any hearings associated with those trials have been canceled through April 10. Jail and prison transports also have been canceled through that date.

Hey #slc! Please follow @saltlakejustice for updates about the court’s response to Covid-19! Here’s our current standing order. Contact us with your questions. @UtahStateCourts will have additional info tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/6ucWQxXrEo
— Salt Lake City Justice Court (@saltlakejustice) March 13, 2020

Friday, 10:50am

Jeff Burningham suspends signature gathering in governor race, citing coronavirus

Republican gubernatorial candidate Jeff Burningham suspended his signature gathering efforts to qualify for the primary ballot to help stop the spread of coronavirus. “My team knocks on 1,500 doors per day. I couldn’t sleep last night thinking about passing a pen from door to door and potentially becoming carriers of this virus, putting fellow Utahns at risk,” he said.

Friday, 10:42am

Postponed Malone: Several Vivint SmartHome Arena concerts on hold

Vivint SmartHome Arena announced Friday that several upcoming concerts have been postponed indefinitely. Those concerts are

Post Malone Runaway Tour (originally scheduled for March 21)

Celine Dion Courage World Tour (originally scheduled for March 26)

JoJo Siwa D.R.E.A.M. The Tour (originally scheduled for March 27)

Cher Here We Go Again Tour 2020 (originally scheduled for April 28)

People who have tickets for those concerts will be notified through the concert promoter and will be able to get a refund or exchange their ticket for a rescheduled show, the arena said. For more information, visit vivintarena.com.

Friday, 10:19am

Trump expected to announce national emergency at afternoon press conference

President Donald Trump will hold a press conference at 1 p.m. Friday (3 p.m. Eastern Time) to discuss the coronavirus. He is expected to declare a national emergency to allow for more relief for the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, according to NBC News.

NEW: President Trump plans to declare a national emergency today to allow more direct relief for coronavirus response. https://t.co/h2RXmvQMuV
— NBC News (@NBCNews) March 13, 2020

Friday, 10:08am

Brazil president Bolsonaro now says he tested negative for COVID-19

Despite local media sources reporting Friday morning that Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro tested positive for COVID-19, Bolsonaro now says he tested negative for the disease. He announced he tested negative Friday via his official Facebook page, according to CNBC.

Friday, 10:02am

Snowbird temporarily closes aerial tram to stop spread of COVID-19

Snowbird Ski Resort has temporarily closed its aerial tram to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. "In following recommended state social-distancing guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Aerial Tram is temporarily closed," the resort's mountain report reads. Access to Hidden Peak is still available through the resort's Peruvian Tunnel and Mineral Basin chairlift, Snowbird said.

Friday, 09:54am

Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City suspending public celebration of worship

Beginning on Saturday through March 31, the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City is "suspending the public celebration of worship, including Sunday, weekday and other Holy Masses," according to the diocese's website. "During this time, Catholic school facilities will close and instruction to students will be provided remotely," the diocese said.

Friday, 09:18am

Gephardt: State frustrated about lack of coronavirus tests

State officials have expressed frustrations in getting coronavirus tests, but said the situation was getting better. The Utah Coronavirus Task Force piled on to what Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox called, “well-documented frustrations” at a press conference Thursday.

Friday, 09:07am

Utah Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox addresses concerns about public schools

Utah Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox, who is the head of the Utah Coronavirus Task Force, said state officials are working on how to address the spread of coronavirus for public schools. "Many of you have expressed concerns about closing public schools. Please know that this is something we are working on," Cox said on Twitter Friday morning. "Stay tuned."

Good morning friends! I know things are moving quickly and this is been a surreal few days. I will be sharing many more thoughts later today. Many of you have expressed concerns about closing public schools. Please know that this is something we are working on. Stay tuned.
— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) March 13, 2020

Friday, 08:38am

The Masters golf tournament postponed

The 2020 Masters golf tournament, one of the most prestigious competitions in the sport, has been postponed. "Considering the latest information and expert analysis, we have decided at this time to postpone the Masters Tournament, the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals," Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley said in a statement Friday.

Statement from Chairman Ridley:

"Considering the latest information and expert analysis, we have decided at this time to postpone @TheMasters, @anwagolf and @DriveChipPutt National Finals."

Full details at https://t.co/FX2AN1MLsY pic.twitter.com/Z2DjS5TYdG
— The Masters (@TheMasters) March 13, 2020

Friday, 08:34am

Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro reportedly tests positive for the coronavirus

Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro has tested positive for the coronavirus, multiple local media reports indicated Friday. Bolsonaro's press secretary contracted the coronavirus after he visited the U.S., according to The Guardian. Bolsonaro also dined with U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday, The Guardian reported.

Friday, 08:31am

English Premier League postpones remaining soccer season

The English Premier League, the top soccer league in the world, has postponed its season, along with all other professional soccer matches in England. Other top world soccer leagues, including the Italian Serie A and the American MLS, have also canceled their seasons.

Friday, 07:50am

Shoppers met with long, long lines for groceries

The spread of the novel coronavirus has led many people to stock up on supplies Thursday, prompting long lines at some locations, even though it seems many shoppers are more concerned about stores running out of supplies than COVID-19 itself.

Friday, 07:50am

Stock markets recover after turbulent trading

European stocks rose Friday and Wall Street was set to gain on the open after turbulent trading in Asia and a day after the market's worst session in over three decades. Shares rose in Paris and London but fell 6.1% in Japan following Wall Street's and Europe's biggest drop since the 1987 Black Monday crash.

Friday, 07:50am

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert announces recommendations for public to stop spread of the coronavirus

Thursday, Utah Gov. Gary Herbert announced recommendations that state leaders are hoping the public will follow to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus and COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. Those recommendations include:

Gatherings of large groups should be limited to a maximum of 100 people. This does not include schools at this time.

People age 60 and older should avoid gatherings of groups larger than 20 people.

Anyone whose immune system is compromised should also avoid gatherings of more than 20 people.

People who have the ability to work from home are encouraged to do so immediately.

Additional steps should be taken to protect high-risk groups, such as people in elderly care facilities.

People who are sick should stay home from work to avoid infecting others, and employers should have some tolerance and understanding for that.

Friday, 07:50am

ICYMI: Catch up on coronavirus developments from yesterday

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has suspended church services worldwide as the new coronavirus spreads.

Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell has tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

All senior missionaries in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as young missionaries who have serious or chronic medical conditions, will be be sent home from Europe.

All classes are canceled at Brigham Young University on March 13, 16 and 17, the university said Thursday. Classes will resume remotely March 18 for both BYU's Provo campus and the BYU Salt Lake Center.

Numerous other events were canceled or postponed Thursday, including the NCAA basketball tournament, the Major League Soccer season, the Major League Baseball season and more.

Many Utah education institutions, including public schools, colleges and universities, also postponed or canceled classes Thursday.

Coronavirus updates: UTA to remain on schedule; Toronto Raptors test negative for COVID-19

By Jacob Klopfenstein for KSL.com and Lauren Bennett, KSL.com | Updated - March 13, 2020 at 11:23 p.m. | Posted - March 13, 2020 at 7:40 a.m.

US House passes COVID-19 aid package

Donovan Mitchell's father and the last team to play the Utah Jazz test negative for coronavirus

Tuacahn Theatre postpones events in response to novel coronavirus

UTA remains on schedule, follows all UDOH guidelines regarding COVID-19

Church closes buildings in and around Temple Square

Utah public schools enact 'soft closure' for 2 weeks starting Monday

Utah state corrections suspending visitation and volunteering

All Salt Lake City Library locations to close from March 15-29

Unified Police Department altering some policies to prevent coronavirus spread

Utah liquor stores are not closing beyond normal business hours

New COVID-19 case confirmed in Salt Lake County

Trump declares national emergency in response to the spread of COVID-19

Church to restrict temple attendance 'by appointment only'

2 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Summit County, officials say

These cities in Utah have declared a state of emergency

Salt Lake City Justice Court continues all jury trials through April 10

Jeff Burningham suspends signature gathering in governor race, citing coronavirus

Postponed Malone: Several Vivint SmartHome Arena concerts on hold

Trump expected to announce national emergency at afternoon press conference

Brazil president Bolsonaro now says he tested negative for COVID-19

Snowbird temporarily closes aerial tram to stop spread of COVID-19

Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City suspending public celebration of worship

Gephardt: State frustrated about lack of coronavirus tests

Utah Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox addresses concerns about public schools

The Masters golf tournament postponed

Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro reportedly tests positive for the coronavirus

English Premier League postpones remaining soccer season

Shoppers met with long, long lines for groceries

Stock markets recover after turbulent trading

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert announces recommendations for public to stop spread of the coronavirus

ICYMI: Catch up on coronavirus developments from yesterday

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