COVID-19 Update

Friends and neighbors,

Recent days have brought unprecedented changes to our economy, to our jobs, and to our way of life. For most of us, our daily rhythms and routines have changed. Many of these changes have created anxiety and uncertainty about the future.

At the state level, we are well prepared and well equipped to weather the economic impact that may result from the situation we’re facing. To read an article about the preparation we have done and are doing, click here.  Below is information about what we have done, what we are doing, and some helpful tips to help us all fight against this virus. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out. 

-Melissa

The State has set up 11 COVID-19 working groups - they include

• Department of Health Incident Command
• Testing
• Hospital Incident Command
• Space Needs and Overflow
• Economic Response

• Unemployment
• Child Care Response
• Education
• Skilled Nursing Facilities
• Homelessness
• Finance

Resources

• The national resource on symptoms, travel updates, and preparation is the Center for Disease Control and Prevention at CDC.gov.
• The landing page for both employers and employees is Jobs.utah.gov or call 801.526.WORK
• If you are unable to work due to COVID-19, the Department of Workforce Services is ready to help. Find out more here: Jobs.utah.gov/covid19
• For a list of resources available by county, visit uw.org/211/resource-lists-by-county
• The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering loans up to $2 million for small businesses affected by COVID-19. Learn more here: sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has resources to help small businesses survive the coronavirus. Read more here: USChamber.com/co/small-business-coronavirus
• Call 211 or visit 211.org/services/covid19 if you need assistance finding food, paying housing bills, or locating other essential services.

Federal Government

• Declaring a national emergency activated $42 billion in emergency federal funds.
• Additionally, Congress approved funding to provide insurance coverage to allow for free COVID-19 testing.
• Students will not have to pay interest on federal student loans until further notice. Additionally, students on a federal work-study program will continue to receive wages, even if they cannot work.
• The State of Utah is working with the federal government to provide greater flexibility for loan payment deferrals.
• The IRS is permitting interest-free tax deferrals.

Local Government

• Despite all the closures, government offices are still up and running. You can still contact your city, state, and federal leaders. City and state elected officials are working with the federal government to assist Utahns during this health crisis and the resulting economic uncertainty.
• Much of normal life still goes on. Local governments are still providing essential services like trash pick-up, emergency response services, and building inspections and permitting.
• While restaurants can’t host guests, we can help them out by getting takeout and doing our part to support small and local businesses.
• Our grocery stores and gas stations are still open so people can get food and other supplies. We still can and should support businesses as appropriate.

Travel

• For Americans traveling internationally, you are encouraged to register through STEP, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. This will allow the U.S. government to provide you with the latest information on travel outside the United States. Register by visiting Step.state.gov/step
• When traveling internationally, Americans must come through one of 13 airports. Airlines will reroute passengers at no cost. Those airports include Boston-Logan, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Detroit Metropolitan, Daniel Inouye (Hawaii), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, JFK, LAX, Miami, Newark, San Francisco, Seattle-Tacoma, and Washington-Dulles.
• Travelers arriving from at-risk countries will be asked about medical history, current condition, and contact information and will be told to home-quarantine for likely 14 days.

Seniors

• Smith’s and Harmons are offering exclusive shopping hours for seniors on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. They also have employees dedicated to assist with shopping needs.
• All Macey’s, Dan’s, Lin’s, Dick’s Market, and Fresh Market stores are offering one hour of shopping time for those over the age of 60. Check with your local store for more details.
• Each Wednesday, Target will dedicate the first hour of operation for seniors and those with underlying health concerns.
• Dollar General stores will dedicate the first hour of store opening to senior citizens.
• Whole Foods Market will let customers 60 years and older shop one hour before opening to the rest of the public.

Utah Is Prepared

• Although we are facing natural disasters, a pandemic, and economic insecurity, Utah is prepared.
• The Utah Legislature has balanced the state budget while still adding reserves to our Rainy Day Funds. To date, we have created nearly $800 million in Rainy Day Funds.
• The Utah Legislature created the Medicaid Rainy Day Fund and the Disaster Recovery Fund to bring services to citizens when times are tough.
• State funds are only authorized to be spent until the tax revenue has been collected. This ensures we have sufficient cash-flow from one fiscal year to another, a principle that is even more important now that federal tax filing deadlines have been delayed to July 15.
• We have safeguarded funding for Utah students, both in public education and higher education.
• The Utah Legislature also appropriated $24 million to bolster the efforts and help elderly Utahns amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.

Things You Can Do

• Go outside for a walk or run
• Complete a puzzle
• Learn a new skill
• Meditate
• Spring cleaning
• Bake cookies
• Play a board game
• Watch a movie
• Read a book
• Video chat