April 7, 2021 Update

Thanks for the comments about yesterday's post.  So, here is the Taylor Swift story.  So back in the summer of 2007, we were getting ready for the opening of the Covey Center for the Arts.  Paul Duerden had just been hired as the new Covey Center Manager.  We were looking at potential performers for the grand opening of the Covey in August 2007, and the two finalists were a country music singer named Neal McCoy who had several platinum albums in the 1990s and early 2000s, and a 17 year old country singer whose claim to fame was having been the opening act for Rascal Flatts.  It seemed like such a no-brainer at the time to sign a contract with Neal McCoy, but it only took us a couple of years to realize that Provo missed the chance to have been among the first communities to host Taylor Swift as a headliner, and to have done it in the brand new Covey Center for the Arts.  So, at least I know that my skills sets do not include picking talent for an arts center! 

Mask Mandate Repeal

We have had several questions regarding the expiration of the state's mask mandate on April 10 and the resulting impact on city facilities and employees.  From the beginning of the pandemic, we have taken the position of deferring to the expert guidance received from public health professionals at the national, state, and county levels.    

The guidance we’ve received from these professionals, particularly given the current case and vaccination numbers in Utah County, is that masks are currently less important than social distancing and good personal hygiene practices.  As such, we will be following the state’s announced removal of the mask mandate in our city facilities after April 10.   

Employees and visitors to our facilities who would feel more comfortable wearing masks, for whatever reason, are welcome to wear them.  If you have specific questions, please reach out to your department director. 

CORONAVIRUS STATS

Nationally, the CDC reports 30,662,171 cases with 555,231 fatalities.

Utah: 388,426  cases (up 612 from yesterday); 15,675 hospitalizations; 2,139 deaths (up 2 from yesterday)

Utah County:  93,457 cases (up 121 from yesterday); 2,536 hospitalizations; 369 deaths (no change from yesterday)

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• Nearly half of all new Covid-19 cases are happening in just five states.  Work is underway to accelerate the availability of vaccines in those states.  
• Two high level business executives, including former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, are predicting growth in the post-pandemic economy.  
• Utah musician Wyatt Pike is making waves on American Idol.  

PROVO SOCIAL MEDIA

THE MAYOR'S DAY

Today, Mayor Kaufusi:

• Met with City Councilmember George Handley
• Met with an advisory committee working on a regional economic recovery plan
• Visited with a former council member
• Held a coordination meeting with the Development Services Director
• Met with UDOT region 3 staff on transportation related concerns
• Met with a Provo resident who has been involved in the preservation of Rock Canyon

FUN STUFF

If you haven't ever seen this little Pixar short called "For the Birds," you need to!  It is fun, will make you laugh, and has some great life lessons.

I hope the rest of your day is great.  Enjoy the "birds" and this very nice spring day.

Wayne