Coronavirus updates: 602 positive cases in Utah; Rep. Ben McAdams released from hospital

By Graham Dudley and Jen Riess, KSL.com | Updated - March 28, 2020 at 9:44 p.m. | Posted - March 28, 2020 at 7:00 a.m.

Estimated read time: Less than a minute

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

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

Saturday, 09:43pm

Salt Lake County Mayor Wilson to announce public health order Sunday

Mayor Jenny Wilson is working with the Salt Lake County Health Department to create a public health order that will be announced Sunday. Salt Lake County tweeted that it has been working on a health order to clarify what the county plans to do "to slow the spread of COVID-19."

Mayor Wilson and @SaltLakeHealth are working to create a public health order that will create clarity around the next level of protective actions to slow the spread of COVID-19 and limit impact to the economy.

We will make an announcement Sunday.
— Salt Lake County (@SLCoGov) March 28, 2020

Saturday, 08:26pm

Trump: No quarantine, but travel advisory for NY, CT and NJ

President Donald Trump backed away from calling for a quarantine for coronavirus hotspots in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, instead directing Saturday night that a “strong Travel Advisory” be issued to stem the spread of the outbreak. Vice President Mike Pence tweeted that the CDC was urging residents of the three states “to refrain from non-essential travel for the next 14 days.” The notion of a quarantine had been advocated by governors, including Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, who sought to halt travelers from the heavily affected areas to their states. But it drew swift criticism from the leaders of the states in question, who warned it would spark panic in a populace already suffering under the virus. Read full story here.

Saturday, 08:03pm

FDA authorizes 15-minute coronavirus test

Federal health officials on Friday approved a coronavirus test that can provide results in less than 15 minutes, using the same technology that powers some rapid flu tests. Teased by Vice President Mike Pence in a Thursday press briefing, the new diagnostic test could accelerate testing in the United States, allowing for rapid results in doctors' offices. But shortages of critical equipment used to collect patient specimens, like masks and swabs, could blunt its impact. The US Food and Drug Administration authorized the test for emergency use, signaling that federal regulators were satisfied with the test's validation data and believe its benefits outweigh any risks, such as false positives or negatives. Read full story here.

Saturday, 08:03pm

Davis County sees high number of young adult coronavirus cases

The Davis County Health Department has released a data dashboard and website with details about COVID-19 cases in the area. There are 59 confirmed cases in the county, most of which are 18-34-year-olds. This may mean young adults are not applying social distancing measures, a statement from the health department says. Patients over the age of 50 who have tested positive are being hospitalized at higher rates, according to the health department, "which emphasizes the importance of our most vulnerable population limiting exposures and staying safe by staying home." The lowest number of cases are among those younger than 18, which possibly means school closures prevented children from contracting the disease in greater numbers, county health department officials said.

Saturday, 04:36pm

Congressman Ben McAdams released from hospital

After being hospitalized for seven days with severe symptoms that developed after his COVID-19 positive test result, Congressman Ben McAdams has been discharged. "I was released from the hospital today feeling relatively better after getting treatment for the past week for COVID-19," McAdams said in a statement. "I’m grateful for the excellent care I received from hospital staff. I look forward to continuing my recovery at home as I remain quarantined, including from my family, and gradually getting back to my normal routine as my health improves."

Today my doctors are releasing me from the hospital to continue my recovery at home. I'm grateful to the staff at the @UofUHealth. I urge everyone to take the threats of #coronavirus seriously- follow @CDCgov and public health guidelines. We will get through this. #utpol #covid19 pic.twitter.com/s7YYqvWlMU
— Rep. Ben McAdams (@RepBenMcAdams) March 28, 2020

Read Full Story Here

Saturday, 03:48pm

Utah Parks announce equipment restrictions

Some public services are now being limited in American Fork following the State's directive. The American Fork skate park, playground equipment and pavilions are all closed until further notice. Senior and Rec Centers remain closed until May 1, according to a Facebook post. All other city facilities such as the library and city offices are closed to walk-ins but will remain open via phone, email or online. Vineyard City Government also announced it will be closing all park equipment in the city, in accordance with Gov. Herbert's "Stay Safe, Stay Home" directive. Residents are still encouraged to utilize trails and open spaces while practicing social distancing. Individuals are expected to only visit parks within their own counties and to only be with people who live within their households in both indoor and outdoor environments. Logan city announced all playgrounds will be closed until further notice.

Saturday, 03:15pm

San Juan County announces third confirmed coronavirus case

The San Juan Public Health Department and Utah Navajo Health System confirmed the third resident who tested positive for COVID-19, according to a statement. The patient is an adult male under the age of 40. Additional information about the individual's travel history and preexisting conditions were not immediately available. This case has not been added to the state's overall count but will be included in the coming days. Utah's official COVID-19 count shows 602 confirmed cases statewide and only one in San Juan County.

Saturday, 02:57pm

Bear River Health Department issues public health order

A health order has been issued for Cache, Box Elder and Rich Counties regarding business operations and social distancing throughout the health district, effective immediately and will remain in place until April 13 for reevaluation. "All retail and service-oriented businesses that remain open are required to implement social distancing measures and exclude symptomatic employees from working," a statement from the health department reads. Gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited unless a they are gathered for businesses deemed as critical government services. All businesses that could be considered as gathering places, and surgical centers that are not located within a hospital, are asked to close. Hair and nail salons, tanning salons and body art studios are being told to make extra sanitization and social distancing efforts. Physical therapy clinics and services and child care centers are asked to do the same. All food services are required to immediately close dine-in services, curbside take-out, drive-thru or pick up service is allowed. Delivery services, like Uber Eats or Door Dash, are required to observe "no contact delivery." Cash payments are strongly discouraged. Violations of these guidelines will result in the immediate closure of individual businesses to all activity.

Saturday, 02:57pm

DMV closes lobby, moves services to drive-through

The Division of Motor Vehicles announced it's adjustments to limit person-to-person contact and maintain social distancing. Starting Saturday, all State DMV lobbies will be closed to the public, according to a statement. The following locations will have drive-through services:

Salt Lake

South Valley

Farmington

Ogden

Hurricane

The DMV is also asking the public to process their vehicle renewals online with Renewal Express or at an On the SPOT renewal station.

Saturday, 02:26pm

Valley Fair Mall no longer plans to reopen Monday

Valley Fair Mall told KSL Saturday it no longer plans to reopen on Monday as previously scheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "Select restaurants are offering pickup, curbside and/or delivery only," the mall says on its website. "We will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates as needed." The announcement comes one day after Utah Gov. Gary Herbert encouraged all Utahns to stay home as much as possible for the time being.

Saturday, 01:31pm

Mayor Mendenhall asks businesses to make 'responsible decisions' about whether to stay open

In a series of tweets Saturday afternoon, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall said she didn't define "essential businesses" in her Friday proclamation but wants businesses to make "responsible decisions for their employees and the general public." "Business that cannot maintain appropriate physical distancing between customers, other employees, and the general public should only be functioning if they provide critical services," Mendenhall wrote. Though the city's restrictions could carry a misdemeanor penalty for violators, Mendenhall said the city is "not out to charge you criminally if you violate this Proclamation – we just want you to comply, be safe, and keep other residents safe." She also included resources to help businesses define what services qualify as "critical," and how residents can safely go outside and patronize businesses.

I know you have a lot of questions about going to work. I am asking businesses to make responsible decisions for their employees and the general public. I didn’t define “essential” businesses in my proclamation, 🧵👇🏼

— SLC Mayor Erin Mendenhall (@slcmayor) March 28, 2020

Saturday, 01:13pm

Former Uintah County Jail inmate tests positive; officials don't believe he contracted while in jail

The TriCounty Health Department on Friday announced its first confirmed case of COVID-19, an individual who was released from the Uintah County Jail on March 16. The individual tested positive for COVID-19 on March 27 after visiting a health care provider on March 25. Despite his recent incarceration, officials don't believe he could have contracted COVID-19 in jail. "In speaking with TriCounty Health officials, they are confident the individual would have shown symptoms before March 24, if he had been exposed to COVID-19 in the jail," Uintah County Sheriff Steve Labrum said in a news release. "The sheriff’s office has taken COVID-19 seriously and has taken several proactive steps to mitigate the risk of exposure for staff and inmates." The individual told health officials he visited friends in Salt Lake County on March 23. He is now quarantined and recovering at home, Labrum said.

Saturday, 12:50pm

Updated health department numbers show 602 COVID-19 cases in Utah

In its daily release of updated COVID-19 totals, the Utah Department of Health announced Saturday that 602 people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in the state. That figure includes 588 Utahns and 14 visitors; no new deaths were reported from the disease that has killed two Utahns so far. Salt Lake County has 279 of those positive cases, and Summit County has 135. At least 11,312 people have now been tested for COVID-19 in Utah.

Saturday, 10:51am

Utah domestic violences resources still active

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall and the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition are reminding Utahns that free support is still available during the COVID-19 pandemic. Police are reporting a spike in domestic violence incidents as Utahns shelter at home.

.@UtahDv’s member programs continue to operate and help is available during this time of #StayHomeStaySafe. Confidential victim advocacy services are available 24/7 at 1-800-897-LINK #utpol #slc https://t.co/ItelqcFKnd

— SLC Mayor Erin Mendenhall (@slcmayor) March 28, 2020

Saturday, 09:53am

Utah state parks reveal new COVID-19 resource website

Getting outdoors is one of the few leisure activities still available to Utah families during the COVID-19 pandemic, but some popular trails and trailheads are too crowded for safe social distancing. With new restrictions on state park use and the closure of some national parks, the state has introduced a website with information to help Utahns recreate during this time. At coronavirus.utah.gov/recreation, Utahns can get tips on recreating safely and find the latest information from the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management and more.

Friday, 10:59pm

ICYMI: Catch up on coronavirus developments from yesterday

Utah’s number of COVID-19 cases increased to 480 cases, the Utah Department of Health confirmed Thursday.

Gov. Gary Herbert issued a "Stay Safe, Stay Home" directive on Friday as the number of COVID-19 cases reported in Utah continue to grow. It went into effect immediately and will remain in place until at least April 13.

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall signed a proclamation shortly after the governor announced the directive, giving local legal backing to the state’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” directive.

On Friday, the Utah Jazz announced that all players and staff — including Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell — have been cleared of COVID-19. It’s been over two weeks since Gobert tested positive for the disease caused by the novel coronavirus just before a game against Oklahoma City; his positive test caused the NBA to shut down.

Read all of yesterday's coronavirus news here

Coronavirus updates: 602 positive cases in Utah; Rep. Ben McAdams released from hospital

By Graham Dudley and Jen Riess, KSL.com | Updated - March 28, 2020 at 9:44 p.m. | Posted - March 28, 2020 at 7:00 a.m.

Salt Lake County Mayor Wilson to announce public health order Sunday

Trump: No quarantine, but travel advisory for NY, CT and NJ

FDA authorizes 15-minute coronavirus test

Davis County sees high number of young adult coronavirus cases

Congressman Ben McAdams released from hospital

Utah Parks announce equipment restrictions

San Juan County announces third confirmed coronavirus case

Bear River Health Department issues public health order

DMV closes lobby, moves services to drive-through

Valley Fair Mall no longer plans to reopen Monday

Mayor Mendenhall asks businesses to make 'responsible decisions' about whether to stay open

Former Uintah County Jail inmate tests positive; officials don't believe he contracted while in jail

Updated health department numbers show 602 COVID-19 cases in Utah

Utah domestic violences resources still active

Utah state parks reveal new COVID-19 resource website

ICYMI: Catch up on coronavirus developments from yesterday

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Coronavirus updates: 602 positive cases in Utah; Rep. Ben McAdams released from hospital

By Graham Dudley and Jen Riess, KSL.com | Updated - March 28, 2020 at 9:44 p.m. | Posted - March 28, 2020 at 7:00 a.m.

Salt Lake County Mayor Wilson to announce public health order Sunday

Trump: No quarantine, but travel advisory for NY, CT and NJ

FDA authorizes 15-minute coronavirus test

Davis County sees high number of young adult coronavirus cases

Congressman Ben McAdams released from hospital

Utah Parks announce equipment restrictions

San Juan County announces third confirmed coronavirus case

Bear River Health Department issues public health order

DMV closes lobby, moves services to drive-through

Valley Fair Mall no longer plans to reopen Monday

Mayor Mendenhall asks businesses to make 'responsible decisions' about whether to stay open

Former Uintah County Jail inmate tests positive; officials don't believe he contracted while in jail

Updated health department numbers show 602 COVID-19 cases in Utah

Utah domestic violences resources still active

Utah state parks reveal new COVID-19 resource website

ICYMI: Catch up on coronavirus developments from yesterday

Most recent News stories

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Young voters in Utah underrepresented in 2022 midterms, census report finds

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