April 8, 2020 Update

Greetings, team!  Thanks to everyone for your feedback.  I have enjoyed the last week or so putting together these daily updates.  I hope they have been helpful in sharing information that will help you stay informed and to make decisions with your families.

Corona Virus Stats

National:  The CDC reports total cases of 395,011 with 12,754 deaths.  Still about 40% of all national fatalities from COVID 19 are in New York State, and while the fatalities there have started to level off or decline, they are on the rise in other hot spots like Florida and Louisiana.

State:

Utah County:  Total cases:  267; Total Hospitalizations:  17; Total Deaths:  2

Current News

• Today, Governor Herbert announced new requirements for out-of-state travelers coming into Utah to complete a travel declaration. The declaration will include questions about where the travelers have been, whether they have been tested for Covid-19, and whether they have had Covid-19 symptoms.  The hope is that this will give data to indicate whether the travelers should be quarantined.  With Easter weekend coming up, there may be lots of travelers coming into the state on highways or airports.
• More than 1,000 state employees have been trained as "contact tracers."  This group will be able to reach out to those who test positive for Covid-19 and try to identify people who may have been exposed and then reach out to them with advice to self-isolate for 14 days and to get tested.  This, along with improved social distancing, are the best strategies for making a big impact on "flattening the curve."

Provo Social Media and News

• The City has established a "micro-site" on Provo.org to help direct small businesses to resources at the federal and state levels to assist with financial needs.  If you know of any local small business people, feel free to let them know about this information.
• Qualtrics, a major corporation headquartered in Provo, donated 50 free meals to our parks and recreation employees who have been working through the pandemic.  Great news and nice to see our employees recognized for their work in this challenging time.
• We welcomed two new police officers to the department this week.  Officers Stankey and Asiata - we are excited to have you join us!  Officer Asiata has a bit of a familiar name.  The former Utah Ute and NFL offensive lineman traded his crimson jersey for a blue uniform with Provo PD.  

Fun Stuff

KSL News Reporter and Weekend Anchor Ashley Kewish shared a video clip on Twitter and Facebook this week.  She was rehearsing a spot about getting through working from home and homeschooling with her kids in the background when there was an unexpected incident behind her.  Click the link, paying special attention to her daughter in the lower left corner of the picture.  

It is my understanding that her son is being recruited by BYU as a linebacker.

Finally, for those of you who are having to help your kids with school right now, maybe you will identify with this recent Facebook post.  We will likely never see teachers again the same way.

Thanks everyone.  Back at you tomorrow!  Stay healthy and safe.

Wayne