Coronavirus updates: No deaths in Utah Saturday, but record-high case count

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

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Saturday, 09:13pm

Utah lawmakers, employees test for COVID-19 antibodies

Rep. Candice Pierucci, R-Herriman, said she hates needles, but she showed up anyway out of curiosity. Pierucci on Friday went to Utah’s Capitol along with other Utah lawmakers and state employees to take a COVID-19 antibody test — a blood test meant to detect exposure to the novel coronavirus. Wearing a mask, Pierucci lined up with dozens of other masked state lawmakers and staffers, bracing for the blood draw out of her arm. To her, a needle prick and a vial of blood would be worth it to know. “I’m a data person, and if getting my antibodies test helps contribute to understanding what our population looks like, I’m happy to do it,” Pierucci said. — Katie McKellar, KSL

Saturday, 09:09pm

Gephardt: Cash-free becoming norm during coronavirus pandemic

Imagine having your credit card shut off without any warning. It is a scenario playing out in Utah and across the country, leaving a staggering number of people without what could be a lifeline in this rough economy. As more and more people are choosing plastic as their payment option of choice, many retailers are leaving cash behind — and it’s not just due to the risk of COVID-19. Last year, Vivint Smart Home Arena put an end to cash transactions. At the time, the argument was that credit, debit and mobile payments kept the lines moving faster. With the pandemic, other businesses are falling in line. — Matt Gephardt, KSL TV

Saturday, 09:07pm

Rise in crisis child care spurred by pandemic, Utah nonprofit saysv

A Cache Valley nonprofit that puts the focus on families said it is seeing some of the highest demand ever for a program that helps children. The Family Place attributes the surge for crisis childcare to the stresses brought on by COVID-19. The support center offers services like emergency housing for child trauma survivors and a place for parents who just need a break. Over the past few months, those services are needed more than ever before, according to director Krista Useche. — Mike Anderson, KSL TV

Saturday, 09:04pm

USU dorms new tool in fight against coronavirus

The Bear River Health Department is getting extra help for COVID-19 patients who have nowhere else to go. Some empty dorms at Utah State University are now being used as a place for those patients to isolate and prevent the spread. One man said the dorm made a big difference for his family. “I’ve experienced all the symptoms. I was staying in a six-person dorm,” said Bridger Gunnell. — Mike Anderson, KSL TV

Saturday, 02:39pm

Herbert urges continued mask use

As we see COVID-19 cases spike, I urge all Utahns to use face coverings. I wear face masks every day. I know it can look and feel a little different. But data shows it slows the spread of this pernicious virus. #StayStrong Utah.https://t.co/snc1Ux5xYA

— Gov. Gary Herbert (@GovHerbert) June 20, 2020

Saturday, 01:17pm

Health department reports 643 new coronavirus cases

he Utah Department of Health Saturday is reporting an additional 643 cases of COVID-19 in the state one day after the department revealed what was then a single-day high of 586 cases. The numbers bring Utah's total to 17,068 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus since the pandemic began. There are no new deaths reported Saturday, leaving the state's total at 155. About 9,390 Utahns are estimated to have recovered from the virus, which the health department defines as having been diagnosed more than three weeks ago without having died. The department says 152 Utahns are currently hospitalized for COVID-19. — Graham Dudley, KSL.com

Saturday, 10:03am

Trump adviser says Utah 'way ahead of the curve' in dealing with budget impact of COVID-19

Stephen Moore, a member of President Donald Trump’s economic task force, said Friday that Utah is in good shape compared to much of the rest of the country to recover from the economic impact of COVID-19 but suggested getting rid of the state income tax. Utah’s tax collections “have not been hit as hard as other states,” Moore said during a virtual appearance from Virginia at the Utah Taxpayers Association’s annual conference, crediting the decision not to “shut down your economy entirely” to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. The conservative economist also praised state officials the day after the Utah Legislature met in special session to deal with an $850 million revenue shortfall, slashing next year’s $20 billion budget that takes effect July 1 to $19.2 billion while still increasing spending for education and social services. — Lisa Riley Roche, KSL