Gov. Herbert's 'Stay Safe, Stay Home' directive: Here's what's considered essential

SALT LAKE CITY — Amid Gov. Gary Herbert’s "Stay Safe, Stay Home" directive, some Utah counties issued stay-at-home orders last week.

Summit County, with the second-highest number of COVID-19 cases in Utah, ordered its residents to stay at home until at least May 1. Even Salt Lake City issued its own version of a stay-at-home order, giving legal backing to the state’s directive.

In the directive, Herbert asks Utahns to stay home and social distance as much as possible until at least April 13. Though this does not put the whole state in a shelter-in-place or stay-at-home order quite yet, President Donald Trump extending social distancing guidelines to the end of April means Utahns need to continue limiting their outings to just the essentials.

The state expects all Utahns to know and follow guidelines in the directive, Herbert said in a virtual press conference. Here’s a list of things Utahns can still do under the new guidelines; including essential activities, emergency services, and outdoor activities.

Essential activity

• Restaurants and foodservice facilities, for delivery, take-out or drive-thru only. Many local restaurants have a curbside ordering option as well. Schools may continue to send out food.
• Grocery or convenience stores and pet supply stores.
• Gas stations and anything related to maintaining the safety and sanitation of vehicles.
• Banks or financial institutions.
• Work at a place where telecommuting is not an option.
• Laundromats and dry cleaners.
• Mailing or shipping services.

All nonessential national travel should also discontinue, but as airports remain open, passengers with a plane ticket can still access the Salt Lake City International Airport. Individuals picking up or dropping off a passenger must remain in their car.

Emergencies

• Obtaining medications and prescriptions or seeking medical assistance.
• Emergency dental and emergency veterinary appointments
• Donating blood at a local blood drive.
• Relocating someone from an unsafe environment. Such as domestic violence or anything that threatens the safety, sanitation or essential operations of a resident.
• Providing care for a family member, friend or pet in a different household
• Transporting a child to an existing parenting time schedule. Other visitation schedules and social services are acceptable too.

Outdoor activity

• Hiking at a local park.
• Biking on local trails.
• Running, jogging or walking.
• Fishing and hunting according to season
• Driving for pleasure.

While spending time outside, Utahns should be at least six feet away from individuals of other households. This includes asking others to take a picture of you or your family. Any outdoor activities that follow this guideline are OK for residents to participate in.

Do not congregate

Utahns are also asked not to congregate at trailheads, engage in contact sports with those of other households or engage in any activity at a public location such as:

• Playgrounds.
• Basketball courts.
• Fitness equipment areas.
• Picnic areas and pavilions.
• Skate parks.
• Public restrooms.
• Baseball, soccer or multi-use fields with a group.
• Pickleball and volleyball concessions at parks.
• Public swimming pools.

State parks remain open to individuals living in the same county as the state park. National park availability will be determined by each park, the National Park Service and the county it’s located in, according to the directive.

"These directives establish minimum statewide standards," Herbert stated in the order. "In consultation with the State, local authorities may impose more stringent directives and orders to address the unique situations in different areas of Utah."

"I would like to thank all Utahns who are already doing their part to slow the spread of COVID-19. These efforts are making an impact. It is time for us to do more."

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