Utah Gov. Gary Herbert has moved most of the state to a “low risk’ status with businesses open, but said he might place new restrictions if a recent spike in COVID-19 cases continues.
Meanwhile in Texas, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has eased restrictions allowing many businesses to move up to 75% patron occupancy after formerly being limited to 50%.
Utah's Republican governor blamed, in part, college students and campus dance parties for the new outbreak in the state.
"I’m alarmed by people who ignore health guidelines and those who are promoting social gatherings, almost in defiance of the recommendations by our best minds of science and medicine who say social distancing is an important aspect of how we slow the spread, and how we maintain our economy to stay open,” Herbert told FOX 13 News.
According to the website Utah.gov, most Utah counties are in the minimal to low range for virus cases while the cities of Provo and Orem are moderate.
State officials in Utah are asking residents to self-isolate and remain home to avoid social gatherings if they exhibit symptoms of the COVID-19 virus. In addition residents older than 60 who are not immune are asked to avoid, as much as possible, contact with others except to receive emergency care.
Discretionary travel other than essential trips is discouraged, as is social visiting.
Herbert announced in May that most of Utah had moved from a moderate level of danger from the virus to “low risk,” and that businesses would be allowed to operate as long as they followed guidelines and practiced safety, sanitation and social distancing measures. The number of people allowed to gather at the time was increased to 50.
However, a spike in virus cases in September caused Herbert to threaten restrictions if the trend continued. On Sept. 17, there were 911 new cases reported in Utah.
"Our highest single day for new cases," Dr. Angela Dunn, the state epidemiologist, told FOX 13.
A new outbreak in Utah County, particularly among young people 15 to 24, accounted for 40% of new cases, the report said. Herbert pinpointed indoor dance parties at college campuses for some of the increase.
In Texas, Abbott announced on Sept. 17 that he was easing on restrictions on businesses and would allow most to upgrade from 50% to 75% of patron occupancy because of declining COVID-19 numbers statewide.
The enlarged patronage includes restaurants, retail outlets, business offices, manufacturing companies, libraries, museums and gyms. The new directive took effect Sept. 21.
"Since my last orders in July, COVID numbers have declined, most importantly hospitalizations,” Abbott told Spectrum News.
Bars remain closed as do senior, retirement and nursing home centers.
Businesses still restricted to 50% of capacity include wedding ceremonies, movie theaters, zoos, bowling alleys and more. Outdoor youth and adult sports are permitted as long as social distancing of 6 feet of space is maintained.
Three areas of the state, Rio Grande Valley, Laredo and Victoria, remain under more severe restrictions because of a higher vulnerability from the virus.
