November 18, 2020 Update

As you likely have heard, we are having our share of challenges in the city organization with the Coronavirus.  We are having a bit of a surge in cases impacting our city employees.  The good news is that we are not seeing much if any transmission in the workplace - most employees who are getting positive tests are telling us that they likely were infected outside of city workplaces.  But we all need to be extra cautious during this spike in our county and state.  We want most of all for you to stay safe and follow the state guidelines.  And if you do by some chance find yourself with Covid-19, please do what you can to get feeling better.  We want to get you back with us as soon as you feel better and once your isolation period is over!

This is a dangerous disease that can really impact your life, your health and your family.  So be careful and stay safe!

CORONAVIRUS STATS

Nationally, the CDC reports 11,806,711 cases with 255,573 fatalities.

Utah:  162,028 cases (up 3,071 from yesterday); 7,107 hospitalizations; 740 deaths (up 9 from yesterday)

Utah County:  41,132 cases (up 509 from yesterday); 1,256 hospitalizations; 108 deaths (no change from yesterday)

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• The State of Utah held a briefing this morning about the distribution of Coronavirus vaccines.  While Utahns will be vaccinated in phases, all residents of the State should have access to the vaccine no lather than July 2021.  
• The US Senate approved naming Utah's federal courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City after former Senator Orrin Hatch
• Governor-elect Spencer Cox is proposing to create a statewide economic development commission to coordinate state, county and local efforts to grow economic wealth in Utah

TESTING UPDATE

The Provo Fire Department is receiving a limited number of rapid tests for Covid-19 each day.  These are available to full-time city employees who meet state required criteria for Covid-19 testing.  If you feel like you need a test, reach out to your department director and he of she can give you more information and set you up for a rapid test if you qualify.  As time goes by, we may be able to open these rapid tests to part-time and seasonal employees as well.  We will keep you posted as the process develops, but we hope this will be a good benefit to our employees. 

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

THE MAYOR'S DAY

Today, Mayor Kaufusi:

• Met with Fire Chief Jim Miguel
• Met with city property manager Tara Riddle
• Met with Community and Neighborhood Services Director Gary McGinn
• Met with Police Chief Rich Ferguson
• Met with a neighborhood chair
• Met with a City Council member
• Attended the Utah Municipal Power Agency Board of Directors Meeting

FUN STUFF

Time for another Christmas-y music video.  This new one from BYU's Vocal Point and the Rise Up Children's Choir features "Believe" and other music from The Polar Express.  Hope you enjoy this little taste of the Christmas holiday a few days before Thanksgiving!

Let's all stay safe.  Wear a mask, stay socially distanced and practice good hygiene.  We can get through this together and keep each other safe!

Wayne