Coronavirus updates: 100 at risk for COVID-19 after Gail Miller Resource Center confirms 1st case

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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.

Friday, 10:03pm

100 at risk for COVID-19 after Gail Miller Resource Center confirms 1st case

The Gail Miller Resource Center announced on Friday it had confirmed its first case of COVID-19 and said about 100 clients were at risk for exposure. The Salt Lake County Health Department will work closely with the center to test those at risk. The center has taken actions in recent weeks in an attempt to slow the novel coronavirus spread, such as daily temperature screenings, symptom screenings and extra cleaning. The 200-bed homeless shelter, located at 242 W. Paramount Ave., opened in September. — Lauren Bennett, KSL.com

Friday, 10:00pm

The Navajo Nation reports 180 new COVID-19 cases and 6 more deaths

The Navajo Nation reported 180 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on Friday and 6 more deaths, pushing the nation to 1,540 total cases and 58 deaths. "With today's large increase in positive cases, it's important to remember that it is partly due to more testing that's available, including rapid testing,” Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said in a statement. “On the upside, with more testing we now identifying those individuals who need to isolate themselves.” A total of 6,473 residents have tested negative for the disease and 8,978 have been tested, with some results still pending. Of the confirmed cases, a majority are in Arizona and 19 are in San Juan County, Utah. Leaders are working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to build care sites to house positive patients in attempt to slow the novel coronavirus from spreading. “Keeping praying, and we will continue doing everything we can to help our Navajo people and we will beat the virus together,” Nez said. — Lauren Bennett, KSL.com

Friday, 07:51pm

'A balancing act': How Summit County plans to weigh tourism and health safety in coming months

Don’t expect large gatherings in Summit County anytime soon, and that may hurt a county already feeling impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. "I don’t think that’s what people want to hear but I think it’s important we give everybody realistic expectations," said Park City Mayor Andy Beerman during a virtual roundtable involving Park City and Summit County leaders Friday morning. "It’s a lot better to know what our boundaries are so we can plan. … It’ll be a long time before we can get back to what we called normal before." But what will longer gathering restrictions mean for popular summer events like the Kimball Arts Festival or just the county’s overall tourism industry? — Carter Williams, KSL.com

Friday, 07:49pm

Herbert says plans to buy more controversial antimalarial drugs have ‘ceased’

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert said Friday the state health department’s negotiations on a controversial contract to buy up to 200,000 doses of antimalarial drugs have “ceased.” His statement came as critics, including medical experts and Utah lawmakers with medical backgrounds, blasted purchasing the unproven and at times dangerous drugs. The governor also said — a day after it came to light that the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget bought $800,000 worth of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine weeks ago — that he, too, didn’t know about that purchase. — Katie McKellar, KSL

Friday, 04:22pm

Vice President Mike Pence praises Utah’s COVID-19 testing capabilities

At Friday’s daily White House briefing on the novel coronavirus pandemic, Vice President Mike Pence praised Utah’s COVID-19 testing capabilities. Utah Gov. Gary Herbert has diverted 1,200 state employees to focus on contract tracing and this week he launched the Healthy Together app to help track COVID-19 symptoms and slow its spread. Pence, who leads the federal novel coronavirus task force, mentioned Utah while providing President Donald Trump with an update on state testing capabilities. About 23,000 Utahns have signed up for the new app within the last few days and about 82,000 residents have been tested for the disease across 50 different testing sites. As of Friday, Utah had 3,782 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 39 total deaths. — Lauren Bennett, KSL.com

Friday, 01:53pm

Utah sees 170 new cases of COVID-19, 4 new deaths

Utah’s number of COVID-19 cases has increased by 170 from Thursday, with four new reported deaths, according to the Utah Department of Health. Friday's totals give Utah 3,782 confirmed cases, with 315 hospitalizations and 39 total deaths from the disease. Previously, there were 3,612 cases in the state. — Jacob Klopfenstein, KSL.com

Friday, 01:53pm

CBO says deficit to reach $3.7 trillion in economic decline

A recession caused by the coronavirus pandemic and a government spending spree on testing, health care and aid to businesses and households will nearly quadruple the federal budget deficit to $3.7 trillion, the Congressional Budget Office said Friday. Among the legacies of the outbreak, a CBO report says, is a pile of trillions of dollars of debt, amassed by a political system that has proved incapable of taking even small steps to constrain this problem. — Associated Press

Friday, 01:53pm

Two states ease lockdowns; US COVID-19 toll passes 50,000

Even as the confirmed U.S. death toll from coronavirus rose past 50,000, salons, spas and barbershops reopened Friday in Georgia and Oklahoma with a green light from their Republican governors, who eased lockdown orders despite health experts' warnings. Though limited in scope, and subject to social-distancing restrictions, the reopening marked a symbolic milestone in the debate raging in the United States – and the world -- as to how quickly political leaders should lift economically damaging lockdown orders. — Associated Press

Friday, 01:53pm

Navajo Nation joins lawsuit against federal government over coronavirus relief funding distribution

With an outbreak of COVID-19 that rivals the worst hot spots in the country, the Navajo Nation, the hardest hit among the countries the 574 federally-recognized tribal governments, was desperate for the help provided by the Coronavirus Relief Fund. Now, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Steve Mnuchin has announced federal officials intend to include Alaska Native Corporations in the tribal groups that get a piece of the $8 million allocated by Congress to help Native governments fight the COVID-19 outbreak. — Amy Donaldson, KSL

Friday, 01:53pm

So, you think you have COVID-19. Now what?

The COVID-19 pandemic is introducing a new level of uncertainty to every illness these days — especially since cases began popping up in Utah. Maybe you're fine — but if you do have COVID-19, shouldn't you act right away? Self-isolate? Tell the health department? — Graham Dudley, KSL.com

Friday, 11:22am

Utah legislators forming COVID-19 response program to help underserved populations

Six ethnic minority legislators have formed a COVID-19 response program that will aim to help members of underserved populations deal with the ongoing crisis. The program will start as early as next week and will include community health workers serving as cultural brokers between communities and the Utah Department of Health, according to a news release. “Successfully combating this pandemic requires testing people in ways that are accessible to them,” said state Rep. Karen Kwan, D-Murray. “We need to ensure that diverse households with a COVID-19 diagnosis have housing and food stability to be able to adhere to quarantine guidelines.” Kwan helped formulate the program, along with state senators Luz Escamilla and Jani Iwamoto and state representatives Angela Romero, Mark Wheatley, and Sandra Hollins. The announcement of the program comes a day after Gov. Gary Herbert announced the formation of a multicultural subcommittee on the state's coronavirus task force that will also focus on addressing issues facing underserved communities and minority groups as the pandemic continues. State data has shown that some Utah ethnic minority groups, including Hispanics and Latinos, have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. — Jacob Klopfenstein, KSL.com

Friday, 11:22am

Moab liquor store temporarily closed after employee tests positive for COVID-19

The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control liquor store in Moab has been temporarily closed after an employee there tested positive for COVID-19. The employee was tested on Monday and received results of the test on Thursday, according to a DABC news release. The employee has not been in the store after being tested on Monday. Other employees at the store have been tested for the disease and are now self-isolating while they await testing results. An independent contractor will be brought in to clean the store on Saturday. The store will remain closed until at least Monday, or until the department can provide enough staff for the store. "The priority of the DABC is the health and safety of our employees and customers," the release said. "Our sincere concern at this time is with our Moab employee and family." — Jacob Klopfenstein, KSL.com

Friday, 10:45am

Stocks hold steady on Wall Street following tumultuous week

Stocks are holding steady Friday as Wall Street nears the end of its tumultuous week. The S&P 500 was little changed in morning trading, following losses for stocks in Europe and Asia. The bond market was relatively quiet, while crude prices climbed again. The calm trading in U.S. markets belies what’s been a wild week. From Monday’s astonishing plummet for oil to Thursday’s sudden disappearance of a morning stock rally, markets pinballed as the mood swung from fear to hope and back again. — Associated Press

Friday, 10:44am

Trump signs $484 billion measure to aid employers, hospitals

President Donald Trump signed a $484 billion bill Friday to aid employers and hospitals under stress from the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 50,000 Americans and devastated broad swaths of the economy. The bill is the latest effort by the federal government to help keep afloat businesses that have had to close or dramatically alter their operations as states try to slow the spread of the virus. Over the past five weeks, roughly 26 million people have filed for jobless aid, or about 1 in 6 U.S. workers. — Associated Press

Friday, 10:43am

School closures: How will districts determine final grades?

School closures across the state have many students and parents wondering how teachers will determine final grades for the 2019-20 academic year. This is new for everyone. For starters, there is traditional letter grading and then there’s “pass” or “incomplete” grading. Here is the breakdown of how districts across the state are handling end-of-the-year grading. — Aley Davis, KSL TV

Friday, 09:57am

Don't inject disinfectants, Lysol warns as Trump raises idea

The parent company of Lysol disinfectant warned Friday that its products should not be used internally to treat COVID-19 after President Donald Trump wondered about the prospect during a White House briefing. Trump noted Thursday that researchers were looking at the effects of disinfectants on the virus and wondered aloud if they could be injected into people, saying the virus “does a tremendous number on the lungs, so it would be interesting to check that.” That prompted a strong warning from the maker of disinfectants Lysol and Dettol, which said it was issuing a statement to combat “recent speculation.” — Associated Press

Friday, 08:03am

KSL Investigates: Will the hope of a COVID-19 vaccine be derailed by mistrust?

Scientists around the world are working on a vaccine to fight COVID-19, hoping to get us out of this pandemic. Doctors believe it will save lives. But when it’s finally created, will you take the vaccine? There is a growing concern that not enough people will get the shot. — Mike Headrick and Tania Dean, KSL TV

Friday, 07:21am

ICYMI: Catch up on coronavirus developments from yesterday

Utah’s number of COVID-19 cases has increased by 167 from Wednesday, with one new reported death, according to the Utah Department of Health.

As COVID-19 continues to impact minority groups at a high rate, Utah Gov. Gary Herbert announced on Thursday the creation of a multicultural task force that will serve as a subcommittee to the state’s novel coronavirus community task force.

State officials have purchased 20,000 doses of controversial anti-malaria drugs to treat COVID-19 patients from Meds in Motion, a Utah pharmacy that has stockpiled the drugs. The purchase occurred on March 31 and cost the state $800,000.

The Southeast Utah Health Department lifted camping restrictions in Carbon and Emery counties on Thursday but emphasized that social distancing should still be maintained.

Read all of Thursday's coronavirus coverage here. — Jacob Klopfenstein, KSL.com

Coronavirus updates: 100 at risk for COVID-19 after Gail Miller Resource Center confirms 1st case

By KSL.com Staff | Updated - April 24, 2020 at 10:06 p.m. | Posted - April 24, 2020 at 7:21 a.m.

100 at risk for COVID-19 after Gail Miller Resource Center confirms 1st case

The Navajo Nation reports 180 new COVID-19 cases and 6 more deaths

'A balancing act': How Summit County plans to weigh tourism and health safety in coming months

Herbert says plans to buy more controversial antimalarial drugs have ‘ceased’

Vice President Mike Pence praises Utah’s COVID-19 testing capabilities

Utah sees 170 new cases of COVID-19, 4 new deaths

CBO says deficit to reach $3.7 trillion in economic decline

Two states ease lockdowns; US COVID-19 toll passes 50,000

Navajo Nation joins lawsuit against federal government over coronavirus relief funding distribution

So, you think you have COVID-19. Now what?

Utah legislators forming COVID-19 response program to help underserved populations

Moab liquor store temporarily closed after employee tests positive for COVID-19

Stocks hold steady on Wall Street following tumultuous week

Trump signs $484 billion measure to aid employers, hospitals

School closures: How will districts determine final grades?

Don't inject disinfectants, Lysol warns as Trump raises idea

KSL Investigates: Will the hope of a COVID-19 vaccine be derailed by mistrust?

ICYMI: Catch up on coronavirus developments from yesterday

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Coronavirus updates: 100 at risk for COVID-19 after Gail Miller Resource Center confirms 1st case

By KSL.com Staff | Updated - April 24, 2020 at 10:06 p.m. | Posted - April 24, 2020 at 7:21 a.m.

100 at risk for COVID-19 after Gail Miller Resource Center confirms 1st case

The Navajo Nation reports 180 new COVID-19 cases and 6 more deaths

'A balancing act': How Summit County plans to weigh tourism and health safety in coming months

Herbert says plans to buy more controversial antimalarial drugs have ‘ceased’

Vice President Mike Pence praises Utah’s COVID-19 testing capabilities

Utah sees 170 new cases of COVID-19, 4 new deaths

CBO says deficit to reach $3.7 trillion in economic decline

Two states ease lockdowns; US COVID-19 toll passes 50,000

Navajo Nation joins lawsuit against federal government over coronavirus relief funding distribution

So, you think you have COVID-19. Now what?

Utah legislators forming COVID-19 response program to help underserved populations

Moab liquor store temporarily closed after employee tests positive for COVID-19

Stocks hold steady on Wall Street following tumultuous week

Trump signs $484 billion measure to aid employers, hospitals

School closures: How will districts determine final grades?

Don't inject disinfectants, Lysol warns as Trump raises idea

KSL Investigates: Will the hope of a COVID-19 vaccine be derailed by mistrust?

ICYMI: Catch up on coronavirus developments from yesterday

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