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4 Utahns Quarantined on Cruise Ship
The ship was docked near Tokyo, Japan, and was put under quarantine due to suspicion of a quarantine outbreak. This news came in as coronavirus was still a relatively new concept to Americans, and most of us hadn't given it much thought. This article is significant in that it would later become apparent that quarantining people in close quarters on cruise ships with poor ventilation is a breeding ground for the virus. -
Governor Herbert Declares a State of Emergency
The state of emergency was declared before Utah had a case of coronavirus within its borders. This was an early indication that Utah's leaders would be proactive in containing the virus. A task force to address the virus was also formed. -
Utah Jazz Players Test Positive for Coronavirus
Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert was considered Utah's "patient zero" for coronavirus. While Gobert had no serious complications and made a full recovery, such a high profile case early on spurred government action. The task force immediately went to work, and schools, government buildings, and sporting events were canceled soon after Gobert's posiive test. -
Massive Business and School Closures Throughout Utah
Following Rudy Gobert's diagnosis, the Task Force closes down schools (temporarily) including higher education. Businesses that are not considered "essential" are asked to close their doors and move to telecommuting if possible. -
Utah Restaurants and Bars Close
The Task Force announces that restaurants and bars must close, or at least eliminate dine-in options. This is significant in that it marks a serious impact on Utah economy. Appeals for government funding for small businesses begin. -
Statewide Toilet Paper Shortages
While in hindsight this "emergency" seems comical, at the time Utahns' inability to obtain toilet paper and many other essential items (due to hoarding) was disconcerting. It is still difficult to obtain many cleaning items, but at least we have access to TP! -
5.7 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Utah
Many Utahns woke up to an earthquake on March 18. The center of the quake was in Magna, and no serious damage was done, but aftershocks continued to upset Utahns for over a week, and the added stress and uncertainty of the earthquake only contributed to growing unease around the state. -
First Utahn Dies from Coronavirus
This event was significant to Utahns in that it brought the virus home. The state was now counting deaths, and coronavirus has a lasting impact on our state. -
LDS Missionaries Return Home
The first wave of LDS missionaries arrives at Salt Lake airport. There were 1,600 returning missionaries, coming home from the Phillipines. The LDS Church's response to coronavirus has been a proactive one. The Church was one of the first large organizations to suspend all social gatherings, and was quick to bring home missionaries from foreign countries, prioritizing high risk areas. The Governor criticizes the family members of these missionaries for not following social distancing guidelines. -
"Stay Home, Stay Safe" Directive
Governor Herbert issues this directive, which is not as strict as other states. Residents are asked to stay at home, but the policy is much more lenient than neighboring states who have shelter in place policies. There is criticism for this decision, but today we can see that this directive was successful. -
LDS General Conference Moved Online
The LDS Church was proactive in their efforts to help stave off COVID-19. One dramatic measure was to hold their semi-annual conference online only. Note: this also took place during the Spanish Flu, but without the ability to go online, obviously. This is one stark different between the two pandemics--the ability to use technology has greatly influenced the spread disease in 2020. -
Utah Moves to Yellow Phase
Utah moves quickly from orange (moderate risk) to yellow phase (low risk). This means that more businesses are allowed to open, and that groups of 20-50 are allowed to gather. -
Coronavirus Death Toll Reaches 100
The state reached this number after going to "Yellow" a week or so prior. This is a significant number, and it shows that our state has not simply been affected economically by the pandemic. There is a human cost as well. 76% of those who died were over 65, and nearly all were considered "high risk."