As Utah’s hospitals strain at capacity with COVID-19 patients, mandates from the Governor’s Office and Utah Labor Commission are attempting to bring all residents and workplaces into public health compliance. Face coverings are now mandatory across the state, and there are temporary limitations on casual social gatherings – a big cause of viral spread. Businesses intentionally violating public health orders like ignoring the mask requirement could face closure, fines of $10,000 per day in violation, as well as civil or criminal charges. Public health experts say breaking the chain of transmission is incredibly important right now, as our healthcare system is severely stressed.

Plus, the Weekly News Reel! where we hear first-hand from local reporters and editors about the stories in their latest editions. First, Times-Independent editor Doug McMurdo covers several highlights including the Moab Area Travel Council’s mandate to advertise responsibly. Then, Moab Sun News editor Maggie McGuire weaves together several stories related to coronavirus and Grand County.

Show Notes:

Southeast Utah Health Department, Grand County, Moab City Joint Press Release re: Enforcement of Health Orders

https://www.kzmu.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Mask-Enforcment-Press-Release-PACKAGE-11.10.20.pdf

File a Complaint with the Utah Labor Commission, Division of Occupational Safety and Health

https://laborcommission.utah.gov/divisions/uosh/compliance/

Weekly News Reel! Mentions –

The Times-Independent: Travel council wants you to know – ‘We’re already doing that'

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/travel-council-wants-you-to-know-were-already-doing-that/

The Times-Independent: Things are popping in Moab

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/things-are-popping-in-moab/

Moab Sun News: Governor declares pandemic state of emergency

https://www.moabsunnews.com/covid-19/article_97e7335c-2525-11eb-a76c-8b37d4fc18ab.html

Moab Sun News: Large public events cause COVID-19 concerns – Comission considers restrictions

https://www.moabsunnews.com/covid-19/article_49be2b64-2529-11eb-89d6-7374a47a0555.html

Moab Sun News: School sports and extracurriculars canceled due to COVID-19

https://www.moabsunnews.com/news/article_0a222dbe-25df-11eb-80f6-3ff973860eec.html