Editor’s note: The Salt Lake Tribune is providing readers free access to critical local stories about the coronavirus during this time of heightened concern. See more coverage here. To support journalism like this, please consider donating or become a subscriber.
Washington County leaders for weeks have groused that state coronavirus actions have been too restrictive for an area with relatively few cases, and they announced plans Monday to largely reopen for businesses on Friday, at least as much as state guidelines will allow.
“The date that Washington County is going to cautiously encourage our businesses to open back up is this May 1, which also lines up with the state plan,” Washington County Commission Chairman Victor Iverson said at a news conference.
He said the announcement was a heads-up to local businesses to start planning, but guidelines about what specifically will be allowed are still being developed by the Southwest Utah Public Health Department in cooperation with the state.
Iverson — the running mate to gubernatorial candidate Greg Hughes — made headlines recently after a string of mid-March texts he sent to Gov. Gary Herbert’s top aides accusing the governor and Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox of sitting idly by as the state’s economy goes up in flames.
He said Monday, “There is a lot of concern that we as county commissioners have had for both businesses and families that are impacted economically, as well as those who have been impacted through sickness.”
David Blodgett, director of the Southwest Utah Public Health Department, which covers five counties in the southwest corner of the state, said data shows it is safe to start reopening businesses there as long as some safe distancing and similar measures continue to be followed.
“We’ve accumulated data, we’ve watched the trends, and it’s time to redirect our efforts as we continue to protect people but also continue to protect the financial element of the community,” he said. “It’s been two weeks since anyone has been hospitalized from COVID here.”
He added that no one currently is hospitalized. He said the area had 87 cases, but 58 have recovered. The state Health Department lists 89 cases in the area, with two deaths as of Monday.
Blodgett said coming guidelines will focus on protecting people most at risk — those over 60 with underlying health issues such as diabetes — but also allow “that young people can safely work and do the things they need to do.” He said the county will move “as far” as state guidelines allow.
“We look forward to a great Washington County comeback,” said County Commissioner Gil Almquist. “And we want to come back in a safe and sensible way.”
County Commissioner Dean Cox, who received a bone marrow transplant a few months ago, warned that people in the area still need to take commonsense steps to protect themselves, especially if their health creates extra risks.
“I know there's a vulnerable population that is going to have to take additional measures for a longer period of time. I consider myself part of that group,” he said.
Blodgett was asked if Zion National Park would also reopen soon. He said that is a decision for the National Park Service, but local officials have said it “is our opinion and our wish that it open as soon as possible.”
Iverson added, “We are anxious to get back to the point where our community feels safe, where our businesses are thriving, and where we can really move a little bit beyond COVID-19.”
Meanwhile, the city of St. George announced it will reopening of all city-owned pickleball, tennis and sand volleyball courts, effective Tuesday.
“After discussions with the mayor, city council, city manager and community members, and listening to medical experts on both the local and statewide levels, we felt it was the right time to open these recreational facilities again,” said Leisure Services Director Shane McAffee.
Signs will remind people of social distancing norms and play protocol. If some pickleball players are uncomfortable with open play, they may reserve courts for a fee of $10 per hour for private play. More information is available by calling 435-627-4531 or emailing parkreservations@sgcity.org.
Follow @LeeDavi49903322