Coronavirus updates: Utah sees 329 new cases, 2 more deaths; Utah bill would make coughing on officers a crime

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SALT LAKE CITY — Here are the latest updates on COVID-19 from Utah and around the world.

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

Tuesday, 10:11pm

White House steps up effort to downplay coronavirus concerns

President Donald Trump has long been fond of crafting his own version of the facts. But when he said “if we stop testing right now we’d have very few cases” of coronavirus, he may have written a new line of attack for critics who question his commitment to following the science.His statement overlooks other important measures of the ongoing coronavirus threat, including hospitalizations and deaths. Trump's comment Monday was part of a broader administration effort to play down the pandemic, a push that public health experts and Democratic officials worry is sending a dangerous message to the American public as some parts of the country have seen a surge in cases in recent weeks.“An ostrich puts his head in the sand because he doesn’t want to see what’s around him,” said Lawrence Gostin, a public health expert at Georgetown University. “It’s the same thing with Trump.” — Associated Press

Tuesday, 10:02pm

Utah lawmakers consider making intentionally coughing on officers a crime

Some Utah lawmakers want to make it a crime to intentionally cough on a first responder or correctional worker while they are on the duty. But others say it would be difficult to determine the intent of a bodily function that has mostly been considered involuntary. Sen. Karen Mayne, D-West Valley City, said the law already covers exposure to bodily fluids, but she wants to add coughing because people have “aggressively” coughed on police officers claiming they have the coronavirus. — Dennis Romboy, KSL

Tuesday, 10:01pm

Why a wellness routine is your top priority amid the pandemic — and how to start

Even if you're someone whose healthful habits were perfected to a tee during pre-pandemic times, you may find yourself struggling to engage in even the most basic self-care in these increasingly unpredictable days. That's where a wellness routine can come in handy. I'm not talking about a spa escape every so often or even regular massages or chef-prepared meals (though all of that may sound really nice). I'm talking about creating your own personalized routine that will benefit you physically and emotionally, one that simply requires a regular commitment to yourself. Read the full story here. — CNN

Tuesday, 09:59pm

NBA lays out its vision for Disney restart to teams, players

Here’s some of what awaits NBA players going to Disney next month: game rooms, golf course access, cabanas with misters to combat the heat, fishing areas, bowling, backstage tours and salon services. It only sounds like vacation. With safety being of the foremost importance during the coronavirus pandemic, players were told they will be tested regularly — but not with the deep nasal swabs — and must adhere to strict physical distancing and mask-wearing policies. — Associated Press

Tuesday, 03:15pm

Utah sees 329 new cases of COVID-19, 2 more deaths

Utah’s number of COVID-19 cases has increased by 329 from Monday, with two new reported deaths, according to the Utah Department of Health. Tuesday's totals give Utah 14,937 total confirmed cases, with 1,073 total hospitalizations and 145 total deaths from the disease. Previously, there were 14,608 cases in the state. The two people who died were both men from Salt Lake County who were between the ages of 60 and 85, the health department reported. One was a long-term care facility resident, but both were hospitalized when they died, according to the health department. — Jacob Klopfenstein, KSL.com

Tuesday, 03:10pm

Watchdogs say Trump admin limiting oversight of virus aid

Government watchdogs are warning that a legal determination by the Trump administration could severely limit their ability to oversee more than $1 trillion in spending related to the coronavirus pandemic. In a letter to four congressional committees, a panel of inspectors general overseeing a sweeping economic rescue law said an “ambiguity” in the law could block the watchdogs from conducting independent oversight. The letter from Michael Horowitz and Robert Westbrooks, the officials leading the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, cites a May 7 memo by the Treasury Department’s legal counsel concluding that disclosure requirements in the rescue law do not extend to more than $1 trillion in spending — nearly half of the $2.4 trillion committed to the rescue law by Congress. “If this interpretation of the CARES Act were correct, it would raise questions about PRAC’s authority to conduct oversight” of spending that includes federal loans for small businesses, aid to cities, states and tribes and other programs, the letter says. The CARES Act is the rescue law’s formal name. — Associated Press

Tuesday, 03:07pm

US shoppers returned with vigor in May in partial rebound

American shoppers ramped up their spending on store purchases by a record 17.7% from April to May, delivering a dose of energy for retailers that have been reeling since the coronavirus shut down businesses, flattened the economy and paralyzed consumers during the previous two months.The government’s report Tuesday showed that consumers' retail purchases have retraced some of the record-setting month-to-month plunges of March (8.3%) and April (14.7%) as businesses have increasingly reopened. Still, the pandemic’s damage to retailers remains severe, with purchases still down 6.1% from a year ago. — Associated Press

Tuesday, 03:05pm

Kimmel to host Emmys, first major awards show of pandemic

Jimmy Kimmel will host the first major Hollywood awards ceremony of the coronavirus pandemic — but just how the Emmys will be held remains cloudy. Kimmel, who is also producing the Sept. 20 ceremony on ABC honoring TV's best, acknowledged that in Tuesday's announcement. “I don’t know where we will do this or how we will do this or even why we are doing this, but we are doing it and I am hosting it,” the ABC late-night host said in a statement. — Associated Press

Tuesday, 10:39am

Utah lawmakers look to update price-gouging law amid coronavirus pandemic

A food service business marked up a $9.22 bag of flour 250%. Hand sanitizer went for nearly 400% over cost. And toilet paper went online for an “outrageous” amount, Rep. Patrice Arent, D-Millcreek, said, rattling off a list of examples of price gouging. “I’ve been hearing all kinds of complaints,” Arent said, noting she passed a bill 15 years ago to curb the practice of jacking up prices during an emergency. But because the law is vague and outdated, state consumer protection regulators have a hard time enforcing it. The Utah Legislature’s Business and Labor Interim Committee pitched changes to the law on Monday. — Marjorie Cortez, KSL

Tuesday, 09:51am

Utah Legislature to meet in special session to address fiscal impacts of COVID-19

The Utah State Legislature will meet in a special session starting Thursday to address a long list of COVID-19-related monetary issues. Gov. Gary Herbert signed a proclamation Tuesday calling the legislature into session. Among the 26 items to be addressed during the session will be adjusting the fiscal year 2020 and 2021 state budgets in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Legislators will also consider providing more rent and mortgage assistance to individuals and businesses, modifying unemployment insurance provisions and addressing certain methods of restraint by peace officers.

Today, @GovHerbert issued a proclamation calling the Utah Legislature into a special session on Thursday, June 18. The #utleg will address the fiscal impacts of COVID-19. See the list of issues to be considered here: https://t.co/YLTbq0KfhS. #utpol pic.twitter.com/ZFbCDbnT0z
— Utah Senate (@utahsenate) June 16, 2020

— Jacob Klopfenstein, KSL.com

Tuesday, 08:07am

First drug proves able to improve survival from COVID-19

Researchers in England say a cheap, widely available steroid called dexamethasone reduced deaths by up to one third in severely ill hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The drug was given either orally or through an IV. After 28 days, it had reduced deaths by 35% in patients who needed treatment with breathing machines and by 20% in those only needing supplemental oxygen. It did not appear to help less ill patients. — Associated Press

Tuesday, 08:07am

Utah’s hospitals faced $435M revenue loss due to pandemic but avoided layoffs, officials say

Intermountain Healthcare, the Beehive State’s largest employer, saw a $435 million reduction in revenue between March and May due to a 47% reduction in surgeries; 26% decline in emergency room visits; 20% fewer inpatient admissions; and 31% fewer clinic visits, according to hospital officials. To address decreased revenue, Intermountain officials say they are “pausing” 401(k) plan contribution matches for employees “for at least the second half of this year.” Take-home pay, however, is not changing. — Ashley Imlay, KSL

Tuesday, 07:09am

US retail sales up 17.7% in a partial rebound from plunge

U.S. retail sales jumped 17.7% from April to May, with spending partially rebounding after the coronavirus had shut down businesses, flattened the economy and paralyzed consumers during the previous two months. — Associated Press

Tuesday, 07:09am

Coronavirus death rate is higher for those with chronic ills

Death rates are 12 times higher for coronavirus patients with chronic illnesses than for others who become infected, a new U.S. government report says. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report highlights the dangers posed by heart disease, diabetes and lung ailments. These are the top three health problems found in COVID-19 patients, the report suggests. Read more about the report here. — Associated Press

Tuesday, 07:09am

ICYMI: Catch up on coronavirus developments from yesterday

Lagoon amusement park is now requiring guests to wear masks while waiting in ride queues.

Utah reported 295 new cases of COVID-19 with four new deaths.

The Utah Division of Motor Vehicles branch in South Salt Lake is closed until further notice after an employee there tested positive for COVID-19.

Read all of yesterday's coronavirus news here.

Coronavirus updates: Utah sees 329 new cases, 2 more deaths; Utah bill would make coughing on officers a crime

By KSL Staff | Updated - June 16, 2020 at 10:16 p.m. | Posted - June 16, 2020 at 7:09 a.m.

(Scott G Winterton, KSL File)

White House steps up effort to downplay coronavirus concerns

Utah lawmakers consider making intentionally coughing on officers a crime

Why a wellness routine is your top priority amid the pandemic — and how to start

NBA lays out its vision for Disney restart to teams, players

Utah sees 329 new cases of COVID-19, 2 more deaths

Watchdogs say Trump admin limiting oversight of virus aid

US shoppers returned with vigor in May in partial rebound

Kimmel to host Emmys, first major awards show of pandemic

Utah lawmakers look to update price-gouging law amid coronavirus pandemic

Utah Legislature to meet in special session to address fiscal impacts of COVID-19

First drug proves able to improve survival from COVID-19

Utah’s hospitals faced $435M revenue loss due to pandemic but avoided layoffs, officials say

US retail sales up 17.7% in a partial rebound from plunge

Coronavirus death rate is higher for those with chronic ills

ICYMI: Catch up on coronavirus developments from yesterday

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Coronavirus updates: Utah sees 329 new cases, 2 more deaths; Utah bill would make coughing on officers a crime

By KSL Staff | Updated - June 16, 2020 at 10:16 p.m. | Posted - June 16, 2020 at 7:09 a.m.

(Scott G Winterton, KSL File)

White House steps up effort to downplay coronavirus concerns

Utah lawmakers consider making intentionally coughing on officers a crime

Why a wellness routine is your top priority amid the pandemic — and how to start

NBA lays out its vision for Disney restart to teams, players

Utah sees 329 new cases of COVID-19, 2 more deaths

Watchdogs say Trump admin limiting oversight of virus aid

US shoppers returned with vigor in May in partial rebound

Kimmel to host Emmys, first major awards show of pandemic

Utah lawmakers look to update price-gouging law amid coronavirus pandemic

Utah Legislature to meet in special session to address fiscal impacts of COVID-19

First drug proves able to improve survival from COVID-19

Utah’s hospitals faced $435M revenue loss due to pandemic but avoided layoffs, officials say

US retail sales up 17.7% in a partial rebound from plunge

Coronavirus death rate is higher for those with chronic ills

ICYMI: Catch up on coronavirus developments from yesterday

Most recent Utah stories

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More stories you may be interested in

Utahn invited man on a walk, then stabbed him multiple times, police say

DEA seeks 'total elimination' of fentanyl in the United States

Utah Christmas lights map 2025 is live: Submit your display

STAY IN THE KNOW

KSL Weather Forecast