Coronavirus updates: Salt Lake City creates emergency loan program for businesses

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

The Utah Department of Health announced 12 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the state, upping the total number to 63 cases in the state.

All 12 new cases involve residents in Utah, the agency said.

Meanwhile, the health department has created a temporary COVID-19 hotline number after its service went down following an earthquake that rocked the Salt Lake Valley Wednesday morning. Utahns can call 1-844-442-5224 for COVID-19 information.

If you're on a mobile device and can't see the updates below, click on this link.

Wednesday, 07:13pm

Salt Lake City emergency loan program open for applicants

Wednesday, 06:39pm

Rep. Ben McAdams, D-Utah, tests positive for COVID-19

Rep. Ben McAdams, D-Utah, has tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, he said in a statement released Wednesday evening. Read the full story here.

Wednesday, 05:57pm

COVID-19 in Utah: Your questions answered

A panel of COVID-19 health experts and Utah government officials will address the impact COVID-19 is having on our state and answer questions submitted by PBS Utah viewers. Watch the live press conference here.

Wednesday, 05:38pm

ICE to stop most immigrant enforcement during pandemic, Washington Post reports

Breaking: ICE to stop most immigration enforcement inside United States and will focus on criminals during coronavirus outbreak https://t.co/BohygN6u9c
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) March 18, 2020

Wednesday, 05:20pm

First member of Congress tests positive for COVID-19 in Florida

BREAKING: Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) has tested positive for coronavirus, becoming the first U.S. lawmaker to contract the virus that’s spreading throughout the U.S https://t.co/g6VA23fftW
— POLITICO (@politico) March 18, 2020

Read the full story here.

Wednesday, 04:12pm

UDOH COVID-19 testing lab reopens after earthquake shut it down

The Utah Public Health Laboratory has been inspected and cleared to resume operations. #COVID19 testing will resume at the lab tomorrow morning.
— Utah Dept. of Health (@UtahDepOfHealth) March 18, 2020

Wednesday, 04:11pm

Utah Sen. Mike Lee votes against COVID-19 relief bill

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, was one of eight senators to vote against the bill, Esquire reported. Lee wrote on Twitter that the bill would ultimately hurt workers. Read the full story here.

The Coronavirus is a real emergency and the federal government can and should act to mitigate the economic pain from this situation. Unfortunately, this House response bill is Rube Goldberg machine of unfunded mandates and tax benefits that will only end up hurting workers.
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) March 18, 2020

Wednesday, 03:56pm

South Salt Lake declares state of emergency in response to virus, earthquake

South Salt Lake Mayor Cherie Wood declared a state of emergency on Wednesday in response to the pandemic as well as the recent earthquake . “It is the role of the City to keep our residents safe and healthy," Wood said in a statement. "This action will allow us to waive some procedural and purchasing requirements that give us the ability to acquire supplies and make decisions that protect our community.”

Wednesday, 03:40pm

Utah colleges postpone commencement ceremonies amid COVID-19 concerns

UPDATE: All #USUAggies commencement ceremonies and graduation events have been canceled. The decision was made in cooperation with the other schools in @higheredutah. We intend to honor our graduates at a later time. Read more at: https://t.co/MVFvRXLsp4 pic.twitter.com/Pm6SD4K7RW
— Utah State University (@USUAggies) March 18, 2020

In a decision made collectively by members of @higheredutah, and with clear guidance from @CDCgov discouraging travel and large gatherings, we will be postponing all commencement ceremonies scheduled for the end of the Spring 2020 semester.https://t.co/Zjt3c5Ycnd
— University of Utah (@UUtah) March 18, 2020

Wolverines, we have two new updates:
1) Commencement 2020 has been postponed. A new date will be announced shortly.
2) All UVU-sponsored Study Abroad student programs are cancelled through June 26. All other UVU-sponsored travel for faculty and staff is suspended through May 1. pic.twitter.com/cx4ioilfuw
— UVU (@UVU) March 18, 2020

We are sorry to inform you that USHE has decided to postpone commencement for all public colleges & universities in Utah.

We are deeply sorry to our SUU Class of 2020 for this & are looking at other options to celebrate you. https://t.co/oTjq7ILfDG https://t.co/9Lzd4tjjHc
— Southern Utah University (@SUUtbirds) March 18, 2020

(1 of 3) In consortium with all Utah System of Higher Education @higheredutah institutions, Dixie State University is postponing its 109th Commencement Ceremony in an abundance of caution to safeguard the health of our graduates, their loved ones, and the entire campus community. pic.twitter.com/VdDjsljJ2H
— DixieStateUniversity (@DixieState) March 18, 2020

SLCC 2020 Commencement Update: pic.twitter.com/4HL8ZDEMk5
— Salt Lake CC (@SaltLakeCC) March 18, 2020

WSU Commencement Postponed https://t.co/uqmHD2gR9V
— Weber State University (@WeberStateU) March 18, 2020

Snow College will postpone or cancel commencement on both the Ephraim and Richfield campus locations. The Emergency Operations Team is exploring options and a final announcement will be made on or before April 1, 2020.

More Info at https://t.co/CgCHMZqqGQ pic.twitter.com/zvgSO9mVJf
— Snow College (@SnowCollege) March 18, 2020

Wednesday, 02:43pm

Senate approves House-passed coronavirus relief, awaiting Trump's signature

The Senate approved on Wednesday a House-passed coronavirus relief package that includes provisions for free testing for COVID-19 and paid emergency leave, clearing the measure for President Donald Trump's signature. Read the full story here.

Wednesday, 02:12pm

Around the world updates: Big 3 automakers close amid COVID-19 spread

— The Associated Press reports that President Donald Trump has moved to invoke a federal law that would allow the government to marshal industry. The outlet also reported that Detroit’s Big Three automakers — Ford, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler — are shutting down their factories in the U.S., Canada and Mexico to protect workers. —The Associated Press also reports tens of thousands of people nationwide have filed for unemployment just in the recent week as businesses have temporarily shut down operations amid COVID-19 fears. — The DOW Jones Industrial Average plummeted again Wednesday. As of 2:20 p.m. MDT down 1,338 points, or about 6.3%, to 19,898.92 points. According to MarketWatch, the Dow has now fallen to its lowest total since 2016. The market has plummeted in recent weeks as investors remain skittish during coronavirus-related business and travel closures.

Wednesday, 02:05pm

Census Bureau suspends field operations for 2 weeks

The U.S. Census Bureau announced Wednesday it is suspending 2020 Census field operations will until April 1 amid concerns of COVID-19 spread. "During this pause in field operations, the Census Bureau will continue to evaluate all 2020 Census operations," agency officials wrote in a statement. "Should any additional adjustments need to be made, the Census Bureau will communicate these changes broadly and promptly." The bureau says 11 million households have already responded after the 2020 Census launched less than a week ago. More information about the field operation suspension can be found here.

Wednesday, 01:34pm

UDOH says 63 cases of COVID-19 now confirmed in Utah

As of Wednesday afternoon, 53 residents and 10 non-residents have tested positive for COVID-19, state officials said Wednesday. They added 1,222 people have been tested for the virus and they are still awaiting many negative results. "As a result, we believe current data on number of people tested is significantly lower than the actual number of people tested. All labs are reporting positive results," agency officials said in a statement. The agency was hindered by Wednesday's earthquake. Officials say the Utah Public Health Laboratory is closed and being assessed for potential damage. That said, and no samples or requirements were damaged, the department reports.

Latest #utahcovid19 case counts are updated here: https://t.co/8Xkve3Hxdc See statement for other relevant information. pic.twitter.com/TEThuwec8f
— Utah Dept. of Health (@UtahDepOfHealth) March 18, 2020

Wednesday, 11:28am

Megaplex closes all theaters in Utah, Nevada amid COVID-19 concerns

Larry H. Miller Megaplex Theatres announced Wednesday it has temporarily closed operations in Utah and Nevada. The measure will last until further notice. "While there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Larry H. Miller Megaplex Theatres to date, after carefully reviewing the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and other health safety experts, we are proceeding with the temporary closure of all Megaplex Theatres locations in Utah and Nevada, effective immediately and continuing until further notice," the company said in a statement. It added that other businesses in theater complexes, such as Bon Bon Desserts, Cold Stone Creamery, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and ZAGG may also temporarily close. “In our 20-year history, Megaplex Theatres has never experienced anything like this. The entire Megaplex Theatres team offers our sincere well wishes for all individuals and families affected by these unprecedented events,” Blake Andersen, Megaplex Theatres president, said in a prepared statement. “When the time is right, we’ll be ready to once again provide our guests the best entertainment experience possible.” The company added all full-time employees will continue to be paid and receive benefits during the closure and part-time employees will also receive assistance. Those who had pre-purchased tickets will receive full refunds, a Megaplex spokesperson added. Megaplex announced modifications to theater sizes last week but still had movies playing. Megaplex joins AMC and Cinemark as movie theater chains that have temporarily closed theaters in Utah amid COVID-19 concerns.

Wednesday, 11:13am

U.S. Treasury wants to issue checks to Americans as early as April

The Treasury Department wants to begin direct payments to Americans by early next month as part of a $1 trillion plan to stabilize the economy, the Associated Press reports. The measure still needs to be approved by Congress; however, the report said there would be two $250 billion cash infusions for Americans, including checks issued on April 6 and again in mid-May with amounts dependent on income and family size. The department also recommends $300 billion for small businesses, $150 billion toward other sectors that are struggling and $50 billion to go toward stabilizing the airline industry.

Wednesday, 10:41am

Trump: Foreclosures, evictions suspended through April

President Donald Trump said the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will temporarily suspend foreclosures and evictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic, during a press conference Wednesday. The measure announced Wednesday will carry through the end of April. Trump's press conference was streamed on here.

LIVE: Press Briefing with Coronavirus Task Force https://t.co/3WQV4egsWc
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 18, 2020

Wednesday, 10:17am

Some schools suspend grab-and-go meals and instructional materials after earthquake

Some Utah schools announced Wednesday they are suspending grab-and-go-meals and instructional materials after Wednesday morning's earthquake. Both were set up after the state issued a "soft closure" of all Utah public schools on Friday amid COVID-19 outbreak concerns. They were both set up to provide meals and education for at least two weeks. It wasn't immediately clear when those services will return for schools that suspended services. Utahns should check their local school districts or charter schools for additional information.

Wednesday, 09:40am

World latest: US, Canada agree to temporarily shut down border

A few updates around the U.S. Wednesday: -President Donald Trump said the U.S. and Canada have agreed to temporarily close their shared border to nonessential travel.

We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic. Trade will not be affected. Details to follow!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 18, 2020

-The AP reports that the U.S. Senate may have a bigger bill in the works regarding COVID-19 economic response than one passed in the House of Represenatives. -Worldwide COVID-19 cases have topped 200,000 and have led to problems at European borders, the AP also reports.

Wednesday, 09:05am

UDOH cancels daily press briefing

Wednesday, 09:05am

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium closed due to COVID-19

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium announced Wednesday it is closed until further notice amid concerns of COVID-19. The aquarium joins Hogle Zoo and Tracy Aviary's Botanical Garden and Jordan River Nature Center, which have also closed.

Due to COVID-19, the Aquarium will be closed until further notice. We will be sure to give you updates on social media, so please stay tuned! pic.twitter.com/cyeuqhb2dE
— The Living Planet (@LivingPlanetUT) March 18, 2020

Wednesday, 09:05am

ICYMI: Catch up on coronavirus developments from yesterday

Amazon said Monday that it needs to hire 100,000 people across the U.S. to keep up with a crush of orders as the coronavirus spreads and keeps more people at home, shopping online.

All civil and criminal jury trials that take place between now and May 1 in the U.S. District Court system for the state of Utah will be continued, meaning postponed, according to a court order issued Monday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now says some COVID-19 patients can stop being isolated at home in as little as seven days after their symptoms appear.

Utah Department of Health officials said Tuesday the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Utah was at 52.

Utah restaurant dine-in options were prohibited statewide on Tuesday by state officials.

Coronavirus updates: Salt Lake City creates emergency loan program for businesses

By Carter Williams and Lauren Bennett, KSL.com | Updated - March 18, 2020 at 7:18 p.m. | Posted - March 18, 2020 at 5:38 p.m.

(Daniel Crowder, Shutterstock)

Salt Lake City emergency loan program open for applicants

Rep. Ben McAdams, D-Utah, tests positive for COVID-19

COVID-19 in Utah: Your questions answered

ICE to stop most immigrant enforcement during pandemic, Washington Post reports

First member of Congress tests positive for COVID-19 in Florida

UDOH COVID-19 testing lab reopens after earthquake shut it down

Utah Sen. Mike Lee votes against COVID-19 relief bill

South Salt Lake declares state of emergency in response to virus, earthquake

Utah colleges postpone commencement ceremonies amid COVID-19 concerns

Senate approves House-passed coronavirus relief, awaiting Trump's signature

Around the world updates: Big 3 automakers close amid COVID-19 spread

Census Bureau suspends field operations for 2 weeks

UDOH says 63 cases of COVID-19 now confirmed in Utah

Megaplex closes all theaters in Utah, Nevada amid COVID-19 concerns

U.S. Treasury wants to issue checks to Americans as early as April

Trump: Foreclosures, evictions suspended through April

Some schools suspend grab-and-go meals and instructional materials after earthquake

World latest: US, Canada agree to temporarily shut down border

UDOH cancels daily press briefing

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium closed due to COVID-19

ICYMI: Catch up on coronavirus developments from yesterday

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Coronavirus updates: Salt Lake City creates emergency loan program for businesses

By Carter Williams and Lauren Bennett, KSL.com | Updated - March 18, 2020 at 7:18 p.m. | Posted - March 18, 2020 at 5:38 p.m.

(Daniel Crowder, Shutterstock)

Salt Lake City emergency loan program open for applicants

Rep. Ben McAdams, D-Utah, tests positive for COVID-19

COVID-19 in Utah: Your questions answered

ICE to stop most immigrant enforcement during pandemic, Washington Post reports

First member of Congress tests positive for COVID-19 in Florida

UDOH COVID-19 testing lab reopens after earthquake shut it down

Utah Sen. Mike Lee votes against COVID-19 relief bill

South Salt Lake declares state of emergency in response to virus, earthquake

Utah colleges postpone commencement ceremonies amid COVID-19 concerns

Senate approves House-passed coronavirus relief, awaiting Trump's signature

Around the world updates: Big 3 automakers close amid COVID-19 spread

Census Bureau suspends field operations for 2 weeks

UDOH says 63 cases of COVID-19 now confirmed in Utah

Megaplex closes all theaters in Utah, Nevada amid COVID-19 concerns

U.S. Treasury wants to issue checks to Americans as early as April

Trump: Foreclosures, evictions suspended through April

Some schools suspend grab-and-go meals and instructional materials after earthquake

World latest: US, Canada agree to temporarily shut down border

UDOH cancels daily press briefing

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium closed due to COVID-19

ICYMI: Catch up on coronavirus developments from yesterday

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