HERRIMAN—Governor Gary Herbert and directors of health and education boards made statements at noon yesterday updating Utahns on the COVID 19 disease and outlining precautions to take in order to slow its growth. 

Governor Herbert first explained the quickly escalating situation around the globe that is now hitting in Utah. After multiple confirmed cases in the state, including two NBA players, hysteria and fears are growing. In order to assuage those fears, he listed a few recommendations that should be incorporated into the routine of the populace. 

• No mass gatherings of more than 100 people (only healthy people should be attending)
• Immunocompromised persons and persons over the age of 60 should avoid gatherings of more than 20
• School districts should monitor areas and make case-by-case decisions on school closings or attendance changes
• Employees should work from home if possible, and at least avoid going to work when sick 

With these guidelines being put in place, people are unsure whether they will be able to keep the virus from taking over Utah. The goal behind these precautions is to keep those who are more susceptible to illness safer. This press conference was held amidst the colleges in Utah all transitioning to online schoolwork and Murray High School shutting down for the next two weeks. At Herriman High, those measures are already being put in place with the cancellation of the Dance Company Concert as the audience would easily exceed 100 people. Governor’s Guidelines to Combat COVID-19

While it’s not clear what will happen next or how the virus will develop, Utahns can sleep easy knowing that a newly formed COVID 19 Community Task Force is tirelessly working to fight the disease and keep citizens safe and healthy.