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Utah COVID-19 School Manual Web page

Utah COVID-19 School Manual

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USU COVID-19 Information & Cases

What is a Vaccine?

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What You Need to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine Right Now

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Debunking the Myth of Non-Vaccine Herd Immunity in COVID-19

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Vaccine FAQ

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Vaccine Information

Other

Coronavirus resources to keep kids safe

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What You Need to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine Right Now

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Debunking the Myth of Non-Vaccine Herd Immunity in COVID-19

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State of Emergency Flyer

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State of Emergency Executive Order

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Governors Announcement of Mask Mandate and State of Emergency

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Grand County Mask Enforcement Release

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NEW State COVID-19 Transmission Index

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Safe Halloween

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Business Manual

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Event Management Template

What is Quarantine?

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What is Isolation?

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Guidelines for High Risk Individuals

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Protecting Yourself & Others in Public Places

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Community Resource List

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Financial Assistance for Single Mothers

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COVID-19 Support Groups

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Back to School Blog

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Community Partnership Grant Announcement

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Moab Regional Hospital FAQ

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Sewage Monitoring

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A Mask for Every Utahn

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Community Resources

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Information on Testing & Locations

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Information on School Closures

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State COVID-19 Information

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Hunting/Fishing

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Tips for Parents: Caring for your Children during COVID-19

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Commercial Rental Assistance Program

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Safe In Utah PPE Program

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Shop in Utah Grant Program

Situational Updates (Timeline)

Key points

10/21/2020 - Pandemic Preparedness

Carbon, Emery, and Grand counties are definitely feeling the effects of the worldwide pandemic, known as COVID-19. There are some simple steps we can take as community members to prepare for and live through this pandemic. 

• Have a plan to be self sufficient for two weeks, as this is the typical time frame COVID patients, and those that come into close contact with a COVID case, are quarantined. 

  • Include food, water, and prescriptions (and for me dark chocolate). 

  • It is a great idea to have a supply of nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins. 

  • Don’t forget to include supplies for your pets/animals! 

  • It is also a good idea to have two weeks to a month of savings, in case you or a loved one are unable to work. 

These quarantines often come as surprise, and really, they shouldn’t at this point. We are eight months into this pandemic and seeing a steady increase of cases across the State of Utah. One of the things I love about Utah and our three counties is the work ethic and responsibility community members demonstrate each and every day. Spending 30 years in the armed forces, I was able to see and sometimes help when other states and foreign countries faced natural and manmade disasters. I have always cherished returning to Utah with the realization that Utahns are prepared, and most important, willing to help each other. Service in the military also taught me that if I want to help others, my family and I need to be prepared first. Our personal preparation enables us to take care of our families and spend more time helping those in need. I have tried to carry that philosophy with me to the Southeast Utah Health Department. 

The mission of the Health Department is to assist the residents of our communities to achieve and maintain optimal health and wellness and to improve our communities’ ability to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from any incident that could affect the health and wellbeing of our citizens.  The first line of defense in any emergency or disaster is personal preparedness. I know that together we can all make a difference by being personally prepared and willing to step in and lend a hand when required. I look forward to serving this community and am always available for questions, training, or assistance.

Respectfully,

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Eric Anderson
Emergency Preparedness Planner
Southeast Utah Health Department

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10/12/2020 - A Plea for Caution

I type this message with several sobering realities in mind that I’d like to share with you:

• In the past two weeks, we have had three more individuals pass away due to complications from contracting COVID.

• Today we are reporting 21 new cases of COVID - a one day high for our three counties.

• Emery County accounts for 12 of today's cases, also a one day high for any of our three counties. 

• 10 of today’s cases are from Huntington, an alarming number for a small community.

• Grand County is averaging about 3 cases per day, for the last 12 days, after a stretch of very few cases in 5 weeks. 

• The current surge in cases is being driven by individuals from age 25-64.

• Grand and Emery Counties currently have some of the highest rates of active cases in Utah.

Here’s what else we know:

• People primarily get infected from someone living in their home or when they’re socializing. These account for almost 80% of our cases, as seen in the following graph: 

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• Hospitalizations lag behind cases. In other words, the surge we see now has a real possibility of leading to more hospitalizations in 5-10 days.

• All three counties are testing at a high rate and the percent of positive tests is increasing in each county.

• Many employers have been affected by employee quarantines because those employees are meeting in close quarters without proper distancing or mask use.

Despite these realities, in many ways, Carbon, Emery, and Grand Counties have been spared from the worst effects of the pandemic. Here is some of the good news:

• Masks work.

• Flu shots are available right now.

• Testing continues to be readily available, including an increase in inexpensive rapid testing in each county.

• Thus far, school related transmission appears to be very minimal.

• Long term care facilities have been vigilant.

• Our hospitals and health care providers have been incredible in doing their jobs.

• Halloween isn’t cancelled. If you choose to go out, please exercise caution, remain in family groups, wear a mask, and use gloves. 

• High risk individuals should avoid public events, especially on Halloween night.

My plea to every resident and visitor to our area is to not let down your guard and continue to implement the simple changes that will help keep you and your neighbor healthy. Stay home from school or work if you are sick. Stay away from large gatherings if you are a high risk individual. Recommit to using your mask while you’re indoors and cannot socially distance. Remember to wash your hands more. Be kind and respectful to others. Remember that, for most of us, the consequences of COVID infection are minimal, but for certain high risk groups, they are devastating and even deadly. 

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Bradon Bradford

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5/1/2020 - SEUHD & MRH Statement

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Moab Regional Hospital (MRH) and Southeast Utah Health Department (SEUHD)

Joint Statement on COVID-19 Testing Strategy Among Community Members and Moab-Area Visitors

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INTRODUCTION: At a local as well as a State and regional level, the past several weeks have demonstrated our ability to significantly reduce transmission rates of COVID-19 through widespread and large scale reduction in physical interaction. However, these actions have resulted in economic deceleration and unemployment at unprecedented levels that also may result in significant risk to public health and community well-being. 
 

As we begin decision making that will lead to an increase in economic activity and visitation to Moab, we refocus our efforts to contain COVID-19 disease transmission through:
 

• Widespread Testing; 

• Contact Tracing; and 

• Supported Isolation of positive individuals (TTSI). 
   

Continued attention to mitigation of disease spread through these activities will gradually replace the alternative strategy of wholesale social distancing and community-wide shelter-in-place.

GOAL: In order to enable our community to transition towards a gradual increase in visitation and economic activity while retaining our ability to respond to and contain COVID-19 disease transmission, we must achieve widespread testing of all symptomatic persons and asymptomatic screening among individuals at high risk of exposure to COVID-19. 

Our ability to effectively manage this transition is contingent on our realization of widespread testing in order to accomplish:
 

• Early Identification of positive cases among symptomatic community members and visitors

• Identification of asymptomatic transmission among essential workers at higher risk of exposure

• Identification and reduction of transmission through contact tracing and testing among all contacts of positive cases
   

STRATEGY: In order to accomplish these goals Moab Regional Hospital and the Southeast Utah Health Department recommend the following strategic testing program to include testing of symptomatic persons as well as screening for individuals in high-risk settings.

1. Early Diagnostic Testing for Individuals with Symptoms of COVID-19.
    

   • ​We encourage all Moab-area residents and visitors to call the MRH Coronavirus Hotline at 435-719-3998 to report any symptoms of COVID-19 including: Fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, chest pressure, headache, gastrointestinal distress (vomiting, diarrhea), sore throat, muscle aches, loss of taste or smell, or sneezing and allergy symptoms.
      

   • Individuals with even one mild symptom are encouraged to be tested at the MRH Respiratory Evaluation Tent after calling the hotline.​
      

   • We stress the importance to all community members and visitors of reporting and seeking testing for even mild symptoms:​
      

     1. ​By getting tested, even if an individual does not themselves require medical attention, they are helping to protect their family, friends, co-workers, and the broader community by helping reduce further transmission. ​
         

     2. ​Testing for COVID-19 is covered at 100% by insurance programs; additionally, available federal funding allows MRH to provide testing to uninsured individuals at no cost.​
         

     3. ​Results of COVID-19 testing are subject to HIPAA and are not disclosed without patient consent, other than to the SEUHD for purposes of disease surveillance and prevention.​
         

     4. ​Our healthcare system’s successful response to this on-going threat will depend on the community’s participation through reporting symptoms and seeking appropriate testing.
         

2. Asymptomatic Screening for Individuals in High-Risk Settings.
    

   • We recommend periodic screening of individuals in high-risk settings including for example: healthcare workers, first responders, employees of long-term care facilities, grocery and convenience store employees, etc.​
      

   • Screening will include testing for acute phase infection with PCR test for COVID-19, as well as IgG antibody test of prior exposure.​
      

   • Screening will be on a rotating periodic basis, with weekly ‘sampling’ of representative portions of the target high-risk groups.​
      

   • Screening will be available to high-risk workers more than once on a rotating basis.​
      

   • Asymptomatic individuals will NOT be advised to quarantine while awaiting results of screening tests and will be asked to isolate only in the case of a positive PCR-based test in order to reduce transmission.​
      

   • A negative PCR test does not definitively exclude the possibility of an individual carrying or being able to transmit COVID-19.  There is a measurable level of false negative inaccuracy with all currently available PCR tests, particularly for asymptomatic individuals. Individuals should continue to take appropriate measures such as hand hygiene and use of facial coverings to protect those with whom they interact. Individuals should also report and seek testing if they develop symptoms.​
      

   • We do not at this time recommend that positive results to IgG antibody testing be used by individuals or employers to determine resource allocation or assignment such as use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). There is scientific uncertainty regarding the significance of positive antibodies, as well as a measurable level of false positive inaccuracy with all currently available antibody tests. Antibody testing over time will help us understand changes in transmission and exposure in Grand County and to plan more effectively as we seek to promote economic activity while keeping our community safe.
      

4/30/2020 - Grand County Amended Public Health Order

TIMELINE:

This Order shall expire May 29, 2020, at 11:59 p.m with review to take place by May 15, 2020

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4/27/2020

Five weeks ago Southeast Utah was not prepared to adequately address a COVID-19 outbreak. The Southeast Utah Health Department and hospitals located in Carbon, Emery, and Grand counties had no tests available, were lacking sufficient medical supplies and protective equipment for medical, emergency personnel, and patients, were unsure whether the transfer of critical patients outside of Southeast Utah for proper care was available, and lacked sufficient epidemiological tracking capacity.

Now, due to collaborative capacity building and preparation, the health department, Moab Regional Hospital in Grand County, and Castleview Hospital in Carbon County are confident that they have sufficient testing services, medical supplies, personal protective equipment, and tracking capabilities to transition to the Moderate Risk Phase, with locally suggested lodging restrictions in place in Grand County.

We expect an increase in cases of COVID-19 in our area as visitors enter our community. However, we believe we are prepared to care for individuals who become ill, if we are able to limit the number of people entering our community through lodging restrictions.

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It is still of utmost importance that people continue to socially distance, wash hands, and use face coverings in public locations.
 

Amendments to be Expected May 1, 2020
 

TIMELINE: The order will be in effect until May 25th, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.
 

Food Establishments:

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ALL COUNTIES: Indoor and outdoor dining is limited to 6 foot spacing between parties. Full details on the required cleaning processes and safety procedures can be found at
 

CAMPING: 
 

CARBON & EMERY COUNTIES: Removes restrictions, increased sanitation practices. Social distancing should still be practiced.
 

GRAND COUNTY: Available for essential visitors, primary residents of Grand County, and primary residents of Green River, Utah. Social distancing should still be practiced and no camps consisting of more than 10 people, unless all are of the same immediate family.
 

OVERNIGHT LODGING:

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CARBON & EMERY COUNTIES: Removes restrictions with increased sanitation practices.

GRAND COUNTY:
 

Hotels, Motels, Bed & Breakfasts, Hostels

Reservations allowed with occupancy limitations based on the size of the facility. A 72-Hour Rest Period is required based on scientific studies indicating that the COVID-19 virus can remain stable on certain surfaces for up to three (3) days (i.e., 72 hours).

0-20 rooms:   full occupancy permitted.
21-50 rooms: 20 rooms plus 50% of rooms 21-50 may be occupied.
51+ rooms: 35 rooms plus 25% of rooms in excess of 51 may be occupied.

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Commercial Campgrounds, Recreational Vehicle (RV) Parks
 

● Permissible occupancy for RV and tent sites is 50% capacity and 30% for cabins.
 

Short-term rentals (e.g. condos, nightly rentals, “AirBnB,” “VRBO,” etc.)

● Permissible occupancy is 100% capacity, with a 72-Hour Rest Period.
 

Non-Commercial Camping (primitive camping, dispersed camping, etc.)
 

● In Grand County, non-commercial camping shall remain closed to non-residents until the National Parks are reopened.

4/23/2020 - Amended Public Health Order

TIMELINE: The order will be in effect until May 1st, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. instead of May 4th, 2020
 

OVERNIGHT LODGING:
 

CARBON & EMERY COUNTIES: Removes restrictions. Social distancing should still be practiced.

GRAND COUNTY: No change. Available for essential visitors and primary residents of Grand County. Social distancing should still be practiced.
 

CAMPING: 
 

CARBON & EMERY COUNTIES: Removes restrictions and allows for public use. Social distancing should still be practiced and no camps consisting of more than 10 people, unless all are of the same immediate family.

GRAND COUNTY: Available for essential visitors and primary residents of Grand County. Residents of Green River, Utah may now also camp in Grand County. Social distancing should still be practiced and no camps consisting of more than 10 people, unless all are of the same immediate family. Due to Grand County’s unique status as a gateway community and popular destination, SEUHD and local officials are working on a plan very specific to the county and expect to present that plan very soon.
 

EXERCISE POOLS:
 

ALL COUNTIES: Pools used exclusively for purposes of exercise may open, under specific guidelines. Face coverings are required, except while swimming. Locker rooms & showers will be closed. A cleansing shower is required at home before entering the facility. Social distancing measures will be in place. 1 person per lane while swimming. 10 feet between individuals in a group exercise environment.
 

4/15/2020

Amended Order of April 15th, 2020 - UPDATES

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TIMELINE: The order will be in effect until May 4th, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.

LODGING: Lodging restrictions remain the same.

FOOD SERVICE: Food service is amended to match the order issued by the Utah Department of Health. This allows individuals to order food from inside an establishment.

BEAUTY SALONS, GYMS, TANNING FACILITIES, BODY ART, ETC: In Southeast Utah, these businesses generally do not attract tourists, but serve the local population. The amended order gives these establishments the opportunity to submit a COVID19 mitigation plan at the website www.seuhealth.com/COVID19BUSINESSPLAN beginning April 16th. Once the plan has received approval, they may begin to operate. These businesses are likewise not obligated to open. We understand that many business owners have submitted plans and encourage them to refer to those plans as they complete the form at www.seuhealth.com/COVID19BUSINESSPLAN. This will help our staff address each plan in an organized manner.

OTHER RESTRICTED BUSINESS: SEUHD recognizes that all business will open at some point. We encourage those businesses to begin forming their own plans that will help protect their employees and customers. All openings will be phased in to some degree. We will continue to work with local partners and business to determine when and how to best begin to welcome visitors back to the area and to emphasize that mitigation measures are not expected to eliminate disease transmission, but are expected to reduce transmission rates in a way that will continue to “flatten the curve”.

TESTING: In accordance with newly issued guidelines, SEUHD recommends that all individuals exhibiting at least one symptom of COVID-19 to arrange testing with their local provider or hospital. Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, sneezing with nasal discharge, acute loss of smell or taste, or symptoms that may be consistent with seasonal allergies. Those that feel they have symptoms and need to be tested should call:

Moab Regional Hospital COVID hotline at 435-719-3998 if you live in GRAND COUNTY.

Call your local provider or call SEUHD at 435-637-3671 if you live in CARBON or EMERY COUNTIES.

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4/7/2020

In the Southeast region there have been 324 tests completed. At this time we are at 4 positives.
1 in Grand County, 1 in Carbon County (non-resident), and 2 in Emery County. 

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We want our community to Stay Safe: Create a Magical Easter at Home

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Easter for most is typically a time filled with outdoor recreation, camping, family gatherings, and many other group activities. This year, although it may require some changes, don’t let it ruin your time, instead, make it a time filled with new memories while you “Stay Safe & Stay Home”.

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As Governor Gary Herbert stated, we should only travel if it is essential. We should not be traveling to go visit anyone. We should not have people traveling to come visit us. The Southeast Utah Health Department has a “Do and Don’t” list to follow during this time to follow the Governor's Directive to “Stay Safe, Stay Home”.

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DO go on a hike, play outside, plant a garden, call/video chat with friends and family, find an online book club, practice physical activity at home, get caught up on your to-do list around the house, family game night, read a good book or go for a drive.

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DON’T have playdates, go to neighbors to hang out, host Easter parties with people outside of your immediate household, go to the grocery store at peak hours for unnecessary items, enter busy businesses or places, hang out at gathering places, go to Easter Egg hunts or go on unnecessary trips.

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For non-residents: Please note that the national parks within our region are closed. The State Parks in our region are closed to all residents outside of that County. Southeast Utah Health department Amended Public Health Order (SEUHD 2020-02) prohibits visitors from camping inside any of our Counties. At this time, you should only be traveling to Southeast Utah and outside of your own County for the following:

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1. Transport a child according to existing parenting time schedules or other visitations schedules pertaining to a child in need of protective service

2. Care for pets or livestock

3. Seek medical services

4. Perform essential work

5. Returning home or to place of residence and need a place to stay overnight for rest while traveling

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4/3/2020

Castle Dale, UT April 3, 2020

SEUHD announced first positive case of COVID-19 in Emery County

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4/1/2020

Price, UT April 1, 2020

SEUHD announced first positive case of COVID-19 in Carbon County

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4/1/2020 11:00 AM

The Amended Public Health Order goes into effect immediately.

Below are some key points for this update.

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• Closes Hair and beauty salons and parlors, nail salons, barber shops, body art establishments, massage and tanning facilities, etc. (Section 6)

• Adds guidance for construction crews and sites. (Section 7) 

• Clarifies that residents may camp in counties of their own residence. (Section 3)

• Clarifies that overnight lodging facilities may allow one-night stays for travelers with emergency needs or fatigue. (Section 3)

• Expires at 11:59 p.m. on April 15th, 2020 unless renewed after further review. 

3/27/2020

Moab, UT March 27, 2020

SEUHD announced first positive case of COVID-19 in Grand County

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3/27/2020

Governor Gary Herbert recently issued a directive to all Utahan's indicating that we all need to "Stay Safe, Stay Home". The Southeast Utah Health Department recognizes that there is some flexibility built into that directive for local health departments to address unique issues in their communities. Until we have had some time to work through this new directive and to work with our elected leaders to determine how it affects Carbon, Emery, and Grand Counties, the original Public Health Order issued on March 17th, 2020 will remain in place.

We ask that every family and employer read through the directive to determine how they can best adhere to its policies. 

We love our communities and know that as we work together, we will emerge healthy

and ready to support everyone who has been so seriously impacted by this disease.

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3/12/2020

Announcements from Gov. Gary R. Herbert, the  Utah COVID-19 Community Task Force,

the Utah Department of Health, and the Utah Association of Local Health Departments.

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2/28/2020

Southeast Utah Health Department (SEUHD) is working closely with all local medical providers, as well as with the Utah Department of Health and Center for Disease Control to monitor the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus). We are also working with local public safety agencies, first responders, and community leaders to ensure a unified response to any potential response risk. There are currently no cases of COVID-19 originating in Utah. At this time we are asking for anyone who is ill with COVID-19 like symptoms (fever and/or cough/lower respiratory issues) to call your provider or health department and describe your symptoms and any travel history, BEFORE you go visit their office.

SEUHD: 435-637-3671. 24 hour line to Epi Utah: 1-888-EPI-UTAH. 

As with any illness, we encourage individuals to maintain strong hygiene practices, as well as if you are feeling ill to remain at home whenever possible, to reduce the spread of disease.

Again, we would like to remind everybody that our communities are all working together to plan for all different situations that may arise. The health and safety of our communities are most important, and that is our focus.

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2/28/2020

Coronavirus - Fact vs Fiction

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A letter from Dr. Travis Engar, DO

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For vaccine information, please click here.

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