Coronavirus updates: Utah cases rise; University of Utah offering students emergency funds

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

In Utah, there are now 348 confirmed cases of COVID-19, which is an increase of 50 cases from Tuesday's numbers. Nationwide, there have been more than 60,000 cases and 800 deaths reported, according to Johns Hopkins University's Coronavirus Resource Center.

As COVID-19 cases in Utah continue to rise, state leaders are implementing a comprehensive plan to help facilitate the state’s health and economic recovery.

Meanwhile, Congress is expected to vote Wednesday on a massive $2 trillion aid package for U.S. workers, businesses and a health care system that has struggled amid the pandemic. That plan, which an agreement was reached on late Tuesday night, calls to send a $1,200 check to every adult and $500 per child, the Associated Press reported.

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

Wednesday, 10:33pm

Senate passes coronavirus rescue package on unanimous vote

The Senate late Wednesday passed an unparalleled $2.2 trillion economic rescue package steering aid to businesses, workers and health care systems engulfed by the coronavirus pandemic. The bill will go to the House on Friday. Read the full story here.

Wednesday, 10:26pm

University of Utah offering students emergency funds

The University of Utah is offering assistance to students in emergency situations, including those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Students can apply here.

Wednesday, 08:17pm

All Latter-day Saint temples to close amid COVID-19 pandemic

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will close all of its temples starting Wednesday night until further notice in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Read the full story here

Wednesday, 06:19pm

On-site video visits suspended until further notice at Utah County Jail

Out of an abundance of caution regarding COVID-19, on-site video visits at the Utah County Jail are being suspended until further notice. @UCSO pic.twitter.com/Dx9Ac8Qmle
— Spencer Cannon (@SGTCannonPIO) March 26, 2020

Wednesday, 05:29pm

Southwest Utah Public Health Department reports 2 new cases of COVID-19

The Southwest Utah Public Health Department reported two new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesdsay, bringing the state's total up to 348. The cases appear to be community spread, officials said.

Wednesday, 04:28pm

Summit County issues stay-at-home order

Summit County issued a stay-at-home order, which will go into effect on Friday. The measure will last until at least May 1. The order asks residents to stop nonessential travel and all nonessential businesses will not be allowed to operate. You can read more about the measure here.

Wednesday, 04:01pm

Trump says he'll sign COVID-19 aid package plan once Congress works past holdup

President Donald Trump remained hopeful Congress will pass a $2 trillion package aimed to help workers, businesses and the health care system even as the bill has reportedly hit a snag in Washington. "A lot of this money goes to job, jobs, jobs — and families," he said during a press conference Wednesday. The Associated Press reported the bill, which would be the largest economic relief bill in the nation's history, was slowed down by a handful of senators who had disagreements with it. Trump urged lawmakers to quickly work out the holdups and pass the legislation. "I will sign it immediately," he said. If the bill is passed Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin said checks to Americans would likely be sent out in as early as three weeks.

Wednesday, 03:47pm

U. Health to restrict visitor access at facilities beginning Thursday

University of Utah Health will no longer allow visitors for many cases at its facilities, according to new visitor policy guidelines that will go into effect Thursday. The changes, announced Wednesday, are aimed to further limit the number of guests in hospitals amid the COVID-19 pandemic. There are exceptions to the visitor ban, which include:

Only two visitors at a time for end-of-life treatment or care. Of those, one partner or support person may remain with the hospitalized individual through the time of their passing. Other guests will have a one-hour time limit.

Obstetric patients may have one partner accompany them during childbirth.

One visitor is allowed for patients with “dissipative behavior, in which a family member is key to their care,” the policy reads.

Wednesday, 01:56pm

Utah Symphony/Utah Opera extend performance suspensions through May 23

Utah Symphony/Utah Opera announced Wednesday that it has extended its performance cancelations through May 23 as a precaution due to COVID-19 spread concerns. That announcement also comes after Salt Lake County Arts and Culture had announced performing arts venues would be closed through May 15. Utah Symphony/Utah Opera's event cancelations began on March 12. Following Wednesday's announcement, more than two dozen shows have been canceled. Officials said they are looking to see if they can reschedule some of those shows later in their season. They said ticket holders will be contacted on how they can receive a gift certificate. More information about the cancelations can be found on the symphony's website.

Wednesday, 01:00pm

Current map of Utah coronavirus cases

Wednesday, 12:28pm

48 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Utah

The Utah Department of Health reported Wednesday there are now 346 confirmed cases of COVID-19, an increase of 48 cases over the past day. Of the 346 cases, 332 are Utah residents and 14 are non-residents. The department says it has now tested 6,837 people for the new coronavirus. Read the full story here.

Wednesday, 12:20pm

Attorney generals to online market giants: You aren't exempt from gouging laws

As more reports of gouging surfaces, Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes was among 33 attorneys general who sent a letter to companies like Amazon, Facebook, eBay, Walmart and Craigslist urging them to better monitor price gouging. The attorneys general to Amazon, Craigslist, eBay , and Walmart were posted online. "The reality is that we’re all in this Coronavirus crisis together. To hoard and then attempt to profit from the sale of products that people need like food, baby formula, toiletries, medicine, paper products, etc. is offensive and, in Utah, also illegal," Reyes said in a prepared statement. "Sadly, some people will exploit the struggle of their neighbors. We are urging online marketplace companies to help us correct the unfairness of price gouging wherever possible."

Wednesday, 11:39am

Ogden Marathon rescheduled for September

The GOAL Foundation, which oversees the Ogden Marathon, announced Wednesday that the event and other related events have been rescheduled for September due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those events include the Shake Out Run and the NordicTrack Fun & Fitness Expo, which will now be held on Sept. 25. The marathon and other events related to it will be held on Sept. 26. “We acknowledge and empathize greatly with the difficulty in having to make this decision and appreciate your understanding and support in this difficult time," Eric Bauman, executive director for the foundation, said in a prepared statement. "We didn’t come to this decision lightly. We worked with city and local officials, as well as other local race directors that this date would affect, to come up with the best solution."

Wednesday, 11:01am

Smith's safety and hours adjustments made; Associated Foods announces bonuses

Here's some COVID-19 related grocery news for you: Smith's Food & Drug announced Wednesday it is trimming its hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. "to allow more time for our associates to rest, clean and replenish inventory." In addition, employees are permitted to wear protective masks and gloves while on the job. The company says it advocates "securing a priority place in line for all grocery workers — after health care workers — to have access to protective masks and gloves." In addition, it is adding plexiglass partitions at many of its cash registers much like other Utah grocery stores have in recent days. Stores will also have floor decals at check lanes that will instruct shoppers where to stand in line that's a safe enough distance between other shoppers. Smith's adds that its parent company, Kroger, has enacted paid time off for workers diagnosed with COVID-19, have been placed under quarantine or in self-isolation with symptoms. Those workers will receive their standard pay for up to 14 days. Meanwhile, Associated Foods announced bonuses for employees working to keep shelves restocked at stores. "Over the last month, our team members have gone above and beyond to serve our guests and communities," said Tim Conner, senior vice president of Associated Food Stores, in a prepared statement. "We recognize the vital role a grocer plays in the community and at a time when the community needed us most our team members really became heroes." Associated Foods owns or supplies grocery stores all over Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Nevada, Arizona and Oregon.

Wednesday, 09:21am

Department of Workforce Services launches online workshop for workers laid off during pandemic

A new online workshop launched Wednesday aims to help Utahns who may have temporarily lost their job because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials at the Utah Department of Workforce Services, which launched the online workshop, says it will provide daily 30 to 45-minute seminars that will give information on how to apply for unemployment benefits, what temporary financial assistance may be available and tips for finding a new job. The workshops can be accessed from jobs.utah.gov/covid19. They will be available every day during the workweek from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through at least April 10. In a prepared statement, DWS workforce development programs and training division director Liz Carver acknowledged the burden caused in the workforce by COVID-19. Carver said she believes the workshop may help struggling workers. "Our hope is that these workshops will help workers learn how to access those services and help them know they are not alone," Carver said.

Wednesday, 08:44am

U.S. Army moves to virtual recruiting

Looking to join the Army? You'll have to do it online for the time being. That's because U.S. Army Recruiting Command stations have shifted to mobile and virtual operations in an effort to limit in‐person contact, officials said Wednesday. Recruiters will communicate will those interested via text, phone calls, direct messages or video chat. In addition, the Army is rescheduling basic combat training start dates for any potential future soldier who lives in an area deemed high risk for exposure to COVID-19. Those future soldiers will be informed by a recruiter as to when they will be sent for training. “Our recruiters are limiting in‐person contact and leveraging telephonic and social media platforms to conduct recruiting operations," Salt Lake Army Recruiting Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Raphael Vasquez said in a prepared statement. "This force posture should not be interpreted as a disengagement but rather an active approach our recruiters are taking to ensure the safety of the population we are sworn to defend."

Wednesday, 07:28am

Romney says he supports COVID-19 aid package plan

Sen. Mitt Romney says he agrees with a $2 trillion relief plan for workers, businesses and the health care system that's expected to be voted on Wednesday. "With each passing day, hundreds of thousands of hardworking Americans are being laid off and employers are shutting down as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Congress cannot afford to wait any longer to deliver relief to those who need it," he said in a prepared statement. "We must get this bill across the finish line without further delay."

Wednesday, 07:03am

Prince Charles tests positive for new coronavirus

Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne, has tested positive for the new coronavirus, his office said Wednesday. The 71-year-old is showing mild symptoms of COVID-19 and is self-isolating at a royal estate in Scotland, his Clarence House office said. It says his wife Camilla, 72, has tested negative. Read the full story here.

Wednesday, 07:03am

ICYMI: Catch up on coronavirus developments from yesterday

Utah leaders on Tuesday revealed a comprehensive, call-to-action plan designed to help facilitate the state’s health and economic recovery as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Sen. Mitt Romney, Utah-R, announced on Tuesday he had tested negative for the novel coronavirus.

Utah’s number of COVID-19 cases has increased to 285 in Utah residents and 13 in visitors, Utah Department of Health officials confirmed on Tuesday.

With lives and the economy hanging in the balance, President Donald Trump said Tuesday he is hoping the country will be reopened by Easter, as he weighs how to refine nationwide social-distancing guidelines to put some workers back on the job amid the coronavirus outbreak. Health experts have made clear that unless Americans continue to dramatically limit social interaction, the number of infections will overwhelm the health care system.

The Utah Department of Health announced on Tuesday restrictions on medical, dental, and veterinary procedures that are non-urgent to "preserve masks, gloves and other protective equipment for medical professionals assisting in the fight against COVID-19."

Coronavirus updates: Utah cases rise; University of Utah offering students emergency funds

By Carter Williams, KSL.com | Updated - March 25, 2020 at 10:28 p.m. | Posted - March 25, 2020 at 7:03 a.m.

(Michael Gordon, Shutterstock)

Senate passes coronavirus rescue package on unanimous vote

University of Utah offering students emergency funds

All Latter-day Saint temples to close amid COVID-19 pandemic

On-site video visits suspended until further notice at Utah County Jail

Southwest Utah Public Health Department reports 2 new cases of COVID-19

Summit County issues stay-at-home order

Trump says he'll sign COVID-19 aid package plan once Congress works past holdup

U. Health to restrict visitor access at facilities beginning Thursday

Utah Symphony/Utah Opera extend performance suspensions through May 23

Current map of Utah coronavirus cases

48 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Utah

Attorney generals to online market giants: You aren't exempt from gouging laws

Ogden Marathon rescheduled for September

Smith's safety and hours adjustments made; Associated Foods announces bonuses

Department of Workforce Services launches online workshop for workers laid off during pandemic

U.S. Army moves to virtual recruiting

Romney says he supports COVID-19 aid package plan

Prince Charles tests positive for new coronavirus

ICYMI: Catch up on coronavirus developments from yesterday

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