Coronavirus updates: Salt Lake City opens more streets for recreation

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

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Thursday, 10:56pm

The appreciation has grown, but trucking industry still feeling the effects of coronavirus

While the demand for certain items has skyrocketed during the pandemic, most supply chains have dried up. That’s created competition in the trucking industry that has driven down freight rates. It’s great for the businesses getting the products; bad for the truckers. “People don't need as much,” Lee James, owner of South Jordan-based Kernow Trucking, said. “With companies being shut down, they're not buying their normal supplies — equipment and replacement items or whatever it is that they need.” It hasn’t helped that more trucks have entered the fray for those orders, either. James specifically pointed out trucks that predominantly hauled for concerts and entertainment acts are now getting involved in hauling other supplies. — Ryan Miller, KSL.com

Thursday, 07:33pm

Here’s what would cause Utah to go back to ‘red’ during pandemic stabilization period

As you’re well aware, Utah will move its coronavirus pandemic risk assessment from high to moderate, or red to orange if you prefer. That comes with a pair of caveats. Gov. Gary Herbert and state health officials have reminded residents that high-risk populations — those over 65, those who are immunocompromised, and those with underlying medical conditions — are to continue following high-risk restrictions. There could also be situations in which some areas of the state may have to revert back to high-risk restrictions. — Carter Williams, KSL.com

Thursday, 05:20pm

Salt Lake City opens more streets for recreation

On Thursday, Salt Lake City officials announced two more streets would be designated for cyclists and pedestrians to recreate on. Starting on Friday the outside lanes of 900 South between 300 East and 700 East will be open for cyclists and pedestrians. Starting on Tuesday, 600 East from South Temple to 900 South will open for recreation as well. The first street was opened last week as part of Mayor Erin Mendenhall's Stay Safe, Stay Active initiative.

We have two more streets opening up for cyclists and pedestrians in the next few days! Tomorrow, the outside lanes of 900 South between 300 East and 700 East will open. And 600 East from South Temple to 900 South will open Tues., May 5th. pic.twitter.com/hy83OfzhfW

— SLC Mayor Erin Mendenhall (@slcmayor) April 30, 2020 — Lauren Bennett, KSL.com

Thursday, 04:47pm

St. George to reopen several recreational facilities

Over the next few days, St. George will reopen several recreational facilities that had been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The facilities set to open include:

All city splash pads (Friday, May 1)

St. George City Pool on 700 South (Saturday, May 2)

St. George Recreation Center (Monday, May 4)

Safety measures will include altered hours of operation and adjusted capacity limits. A list of pool restrictions can be found here. Recreation Center guidelines can be found here. St. George recently reopened city-owned pickleball, sand volleyball and tennis courts, with signs placed at each facility to remind users about social distancing and play protocol. “Listening to the medical experts has always been and will continue to drive our decision-making methods regarding the city facilities we reopen,” St. George Mayor Jon Pike said in a news release. “After consultation with Dr. (David) Blodgett of Southwest Utah Public Health Department and the guidance of our state-level officials, we decided it was appropriate to open these facilities with additional safety measures taken.” — Xoel Cardenas, KSL.com

Thursday, 03:46pm

Summit County to lift stay-at-home order Friday

Summit County will lift its stay-at-home order and revise its public health restrictions regarding COVID-19 starting Friday, according to a news release from the Summit County Health Department. The change, which was approved by the Summit County Council on Thursday, comes as part of the county’s plan to transition in the stabilization phase of its COVID-19 response plan. “Due to the support and cooperation of our communities and the hard work of our healthcare services, we are ready to move to the next phase of our fight against COVID-19,” Summit County Health Director Dr. Rich Bullough said in a statement. “The public’s sacrifices made all the difference in flattening the curve, allowing us to lift the Stay At Home Order.” A modified health order, that limits public and private gatherings to 20 people with some exceptions, begins on Friday that will be in effect until July 1. “As surges of the virus occur in surrounding areas, we continue to stress the importance of personal protection and continue to discourage unnecessary travel from outside the area.” Anyone with questions or concerns about the new health order is encouraged to call the Summit County Community Concerns Line at 435-333-0050. — Jacob Klopfenstein and Lauren Bennett, KSL.com

Thursday, 02:34pm

Utah health company offers public mobile antibody testing in Salt Lake and Park City

A Utah company is now offering rapid COVID-19 antibody testing to the general public in Salt Lake City, Park City and surrounding areas. Olympus Health & Performance is the first private company in the state to offer coronavirus antibody testing to the general public, according to a news release sent Thursday from the company. The tests show results in 10 minutes or less and determine if the patient has antibodies for the disease rather than determining if they are actively infected with the novel coronavirus, the release said. The health company began testing last week and as of Thursday had administered more than 400 people, of which there was a 5.4% positive rate. “This new test only identifies whether you’ve developed the antibodies for the disease. It is not a test to see if you currently carry the virus or have COVID-19,” said Dr. Robert Sawyer, chief scientific officer at Olympus Health & Performance. “If you’ve been exposed to or are infected by the coronavirus but have not yet developed antibodies, this test may not be able to identify your exposure until more time has passed.” Olympus Health is working with state officials to track and slow the spread of the virus. Tests cost $150 and are by appointment only. Because of limited supply, testing is first come, first serve. “If you are tested and we detect no coronavirus antibodies in your blood, it means you are more susceptible to getting ill from the coronavirus,” Sawyer added. “We continue to stress you should continue to follow all CDC and local government recommendations for minimizing your exposure to the virus.” — Lauren Bennett, KSL.com

Thursday, 01:31pm

NASCAR to resume season May 17

NASCAR announced Thursday that it will resume its season without fans starting May 17 at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina with the premier Cup Series racing three more times in a 10-day span. NASCAR joins the UFC as the first major sports organizations to announce specific return to play plans since the coronavirus pandemic shut down U.S. sports in mid-March. NASCAR has set guidelines to safely hold the events using CDC guidelines on social distancing and personal protective equipment. Only essential personnel will be permitted to attend the events, and cloth face masks will be required. — Associated Press

Thursday, 01:04pm

Utah sees 177 new cases of COVID-19, 1 new death

Utah’s number of COVID-19 cases has increased by 177 from Wednesday, with one new reported death, according to the Utah Department of Health. Thursday’s totals give Utah 4,672 confirmed cases, with 390 total hospitalizations and 46 total deaths from the disease. Previously, there were 4,495 cases in the state. — Jacob Klopfenstein, KSL.com

Thursday, 10:30am

Church cancels 2020 pageants and treks, suspends camps and conferences

Church pageants and treks have been cancelled for 2020, and youth camps and conferences will be closed until further notice in the U.S. and Canada, according to a Thursday news release from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Hill Cumorah Pageant in New York will not go on as planned in July, the release said. It was scheduled to end this year, but its final pageant season has been rescheduled for July 8-10 and 13-17, 2021. The Nauvoo Pageant in Illinois will not be held in 2020 but will continue in future years. All public gatherings of church members have been suspended until further notice worldwide. That includes the Aaronic Priesthood quorum camp, Young Women camp, and other overnight youth conferences, the church said. — Jacob Klopfenstein, KSL.com

Thursday, 10:25am

Tracy Aviary to reopen on Saturday

Tracy Aviary and Botanical Garden will reopen on Saturday, nearly a month and a half since it closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Tracy Aviary’s eight acres of gardens will help maintain social distancing practices,” a news release from the aviary said. “Our first priority is ensuring the safety of our guests and staff.” The aviary will control the number of visitors on the grounds, the news release said. Some of the safety precautions include: Daily general admission will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - SundayLimit admission to 60 people per hour with no more than 120 guests on grounds at any time to ensure low density of guests and allow appropriate social distancingAdmission tickets will be available for purchase online at tracyaviary.org or touch-free at the gateMarked one-way directional signs and demarcation signs by exhibits will encourage distancing from other groupsSeniors 65+ as well as individuals who are deemed high-risk are encouraged to visit the aviary from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. when the grounds will be less crowdedUse of face coverings is required by guestsIndoor exhibits, gift shop, and regular programming will remain closed during the initial phase of reopeningSanitizer stations will be available in different locations — Xoel Cardenas, KSL.com

Thursday, 09:04am

Unemployment claims filed: Nearly 12k in Utah, 3.8m nationwide

The number of Utahns seeking unemployment benefits increased by 11,830 last week. The U.S. Department of Labor released data Thursday showing the increase. In the week of April 12-18, 19,751 people in Utah filed for unemployment benefits. Nationally, more than 3.8 million laid-off workers applied for unemployment benefits during the same time. That means roughly 30.3 million people have now filed for jobless aid in the six weeks since the coronavirus outbreak began forcing millions of employers to close their doors and slash their workforces. — Jacob Klopfenstein, KSL.com and the Associated Press

Thursday, 08:58am

If you contract COVID-19 at work, can you sue your boss?

As more of the workforce prepares to be recalled, employers are tasked with a delicate balancing act: Getting their businesses back up and running while addressing the reasonable fears of their staff that this ramping up will also increase their risk of getting sick. “They have the right to be protected,” said employment attorney David Castleberry. He also said employers would be smart to do their best to work with their employees and address reasonable concerns. “You can quickly identify any concerns that may exist and have those concerns addressed,” he said. Read the full article here. — Matt Gephardt, KSL TV

Thursday, 08:58am

Hogle Zoo to reopen Saturday

Utah’s Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City will join the growing list of businesses that plan on reopening Saturday. “I guarantee you all of the staff and all of our guests will certainly be wearing masks,” said Erica Hansen, zoo spokeswoman, who added that there will be an alternate entrance, social distancing markers, outdoor concession stands and gift shops, and a limited amount of tickets available to enforce crowd size. — Kyle Dunphey, KSL

Thursday, 08:53am

Days of ’47 postponement to 2021 spurs disappointment, understanding and financial impacts

82-year-old Phil Brown has been camping out for the Days of ‘47 Pioneer Day parade with his wife Mary for around 20 years. The couple and their family stays in the same place each year, arriving the day before the parade around 9 a.m. Brown said he’s disappointed that they won’t be able to carry forward with their family tradition this year, but he understands the decision to postpone the event due to coronavirus concerns. As for next year, “the Brown family will be there,” he said. Read more reaction and impact from the postponement here. — Sahalie Donaldson, KSL

Thursday, 06:59am

30 million have sought US jobless aid since virus hit

More than 3.8 million laid-off workers applied for unemployment benefits last week as the U.S. economy slid further into a crisis that is becoming the most devastating since the 1930s. Roughly 30.3 million people have now filed for jobless aid in the six weeks since the coronavirus outbreak began forcing millions of employers to close their doors and slash their workforces. — Associated Press

Thursday, 06:59am

Big banks blocked from small business loan applications for 8 hours

Small banks were given a short window of time Wednesday to submit loan applications for the Paycheck Protection Program without competing with large banks, according to the Small Business Association. The SBA announced that for eight hours Wednesday, ending at 10 p.m. MDT, it would only accept loans from small institutions with less than $1 billion in assets. The break for small banks comes amid growing frustrations about computer glitches as companies compete for the $310 billion allocated for the program’s second round of funding. — Ladd Egan, KSL TV

Thursday, 06:27am

ICYMI: Catch up on coronavirus developments from yesterday

Utah saw an increase of 152 positive COVID-19 cases on Wednesday and no new deaths from the disease.

The U.S. economy shrank at a 4.8% annual rate last quarter as the coronavirus pandemic shut down much of the country and began triggering a recession that will end the longest expansion on record.

A Salt Lake City police officer has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, officials said Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Utah Gov. Gary Herbert issued an order suspending the enforcement for expired vehicle tags.

Read all of Wednesday's coronavirus coverage here.

Coronavirus updates: Salt Lake City opens more streets for recreation

Updated - April 30, 2020 at 5:20 p.m. | Posted - April 30, 2020 at 7:00 a.m.

(Ravell Call, KSL, File)

The appreciation has grown, but trucking industry still feeling the effects of coronavirus

Here’s what would cause Utah to go back to ‘red’ during pandemic stabilization period

Salt Lake City opens more streets for recreation

St. George to reopen several recreational facilities

Summit County to lift stay-at-home order Friday

Utah health company offers public mobile antibody testing in Salt Lake and Park City

NASCAR to resume season May 17

Utah sees 177 new cases of COVID-19, 1 new death

Church cancels 2020 pageants and treks, suspends camps and conferences

Tracy Aviary to reopen on Saturday

Unemployment claims filed: Nearly 12k in Utah, 3.8m nationwide

If you contract COVID-19 at work, can you sue your boss?

Hogle Zoo to reopen Saturday

Days of ’47 postponement to 2021 spurs disappointment, understanding and financial impacts

30 million have sought US jobless aid since virus hit

Big banks blocked from small business loan applications for 8 hours

ICYMI: Catch up on coronavirus developments from yesterday

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Coronavirus updates: Salt Lake City opens more streets for recreation

Updated - April 30, 2020 at 5:20 p.m. | Posted - April 30, 2020 at 7:00 a.m.

(Ravell Call, KSL, File)

The appreciation has grown, but trucking industry still feeling the effects of coronavirus

Here’s what would cause Utah to go back to ‘red’ during pandemic stabilization period

Salt Lake City opens more streets for recreation

St. George to reopen several recreational facilities

Summit County to lift stay-at-home order Friday

Utah health company offers public mobile antibody testing in Salt Lake and Park City

NASCAR to resume season May 17

Utah sees 177 new cases of COVID-19, 1 new death

Church cancels 2020 pageants and treks, suspends camps and conferences

Tracy Aviary to reopen on Saturday

Unemployment claims filed: Nearly 12k in Utah, 3.8m nationwide

If you contract COVID-19 at work, can you sue your boss?

Hogle Zoo to reopen Saturday

Days of ’47 postponement to 2021 spurs disappointment, understanding and financial impacts

30 million have sought US jobless aid since virus hit

Big banks blocked from small business loan applications for 8 hours

ICYMI: Catch up on coronavirus developments from yesterday

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