Coronavirus updates: 126 new cases reported Saturday

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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, 01:13pm

Coronavirus restrictions put Manti's annual Rat Fink Reunion in jeopardy

While many cities in Utah canceled events and programs upon first hearing of COVID-19 social distancing, Manti is holding out and hoping for its summer programs and, most importantly, its international event in early June. The Rat Fink Reunion was scheduled for the first weekend in June, as it has been for 17 years. "Rat Fink" was the counter-culture answer to Mickey Mouse, created by Ed "Big Daddy" Roth. If you’ve seen crazy monsters driving twisted, flame-spewing hotrods, you’ve seen his art — or at least his influence. — Brian Champagne, KSL.com Contributor

Saturday, 11:19am

2 new deaths, 126 new COVID-19 cases reported Saturday

Saturday's numbers from the Utah Department of Health show 126 new cases of COVID-19 and two new coronavirus-related deaths. That brings the Utah totals to 2,931 confirmed cases, with 25 total deaths from the disease. Previously, there were 2,805 cases in the state. The numbers come as government officials have begun the process of easing restrictions imposed after the COVID-19 pandemic began. Many state parks are now open to all visitors, and Salt Lake County's stay-at-home order has been rescinded. — Graham Dudley, KSL.com

Saturday, 10:50am

Business leaders divided over Salt Lake City rally

Controversy over plans for a large rally has created a divide among some business owners — those that want to reopen the economy now, and those who say it’s still not safe. KSL spoke with business owners on both sides. The organizers behind Utah Business Revival argued that the state can open the economy now and maintain social distancing, even inside those establishments, to stay safe. A lot of people argue that mentality, even the planned socially-distanced rally on Saturday, is unsafe. — Mike Anderson, KSL TV

Saturday, 08:14am

Navajo Nation to require masks in public

The Navajo Nation, which includes parts of Utah's San Juan County, announced Friday that it will require all individuals to wear protective masks while in public. That comes as the Nation announced 85 new COVID-19 cases Friday and three new deaths from the disease. Fourteen Navajo Nation cases have been confirmed in San Juan County so far. "Even before the Center for Disease Control and Prevention officially recommended using masks in public, we were encouraging our Navajo people to wear masks and gloves and now we're putting it in writing," said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez in a news release. "Some may not like it, but with the number of positive COVID-19 cases increasing, we have to be proactive in addressing the pandemic. We will continue to consider even more aggressive requirements to help bring the numbers down." The Nation is under a weekend curfew until Monday, April 20 at 5 a.m., and is enforcing the curfew with road checkpoints. The Navajo Nation has been disproportionately impacted by the novel coronavirus. — Graham Dudley, KSL.com

Friday, 09:46pm

ICYMI: Catch up on coronavirus developments from yesterday

Utah’s number of COVID-19 cases increased by 122 on Friday, with two new reported deaths, according to the Utah Department of Health.

Utah leaders expect they will soon begin the recovery stage of the state's COVID-19 pandemic response, which means some of Utah's businesses could be reopened for the first time since the coronavirus outbreak resulted in abrupt closures in mid-March.

Starting Friday, Utah state parks will be reopened to out-of-county residents, Gov. Gary Herbert said.

Meeting virtually on the second day of its emergency special session, the Utah Legislature passed a bill that creates a commission to advise Gov. Gary Herbert on the state's COVID-19 recovery.

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson announced on Friday the stay-home portion of the county’s health order was being rescinded.

— Lauren Bennett, KSL.com Read all of Friday's coronavirus coverage here.

Coronavirus updates: 126 new cases reported Saturday

By KSL Staff | Updated - April 18, 2020 at 1:15 p.m. | Posted - April 18, 2020 at 7:01 a.m.

(Steve Griffin, KSL, File)

Coronavirus restrictions put Manti's annual Rat Fink Reunion in jeopardy

2 new deaths, 126 new COVID-19 cases reported Saturday

Business leaders divided over Salt Lake City rally

Navajo Nation to require masks in public

ICYMI: Catch up on coronavirus developments from yesterday

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Coronavirus updates: 126 new cases reported Saturday

By KSL Staff | Updated - April 18, 2020 at 1:15 p.m. | Posted - April 18, 2020 at 7:01 a.m.

(Steve Griffin, KSL, File)

Coronavirus restrictions put Manti's annual Rat Fink Reunion in jeopardy

2 new deaths, 126 new COVID-19 cases reported Saturday

Business leaders divided over Salt Lake City rally

Navajo Nation to require masks in public

ICYMI: Catch up on coronavirus developments from yesterday

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