Utah Family Physicians Urge Significant Public Health Measures

Utah Academy of Family Physicians (UAFP) share the concerns in the recent memo State Epidemiologist, Dr. Angela Dunn, sent to state and local health officials, on the current status of COVID-19 in the state of Utah.

With the significant and continual resurgence of COVID-19 cases, UAFP believes we are at a critical juncture and it is incumbent on all Utahns to take serious precautionary measures. The memo from Dr. Dunn also states that if the rate of infection is not significantly reduced, some hospitals will exceed their ICU capacity by as early as July, limiting the ability to care for those who are critically ill.

UAFP urges Governor Gary Herbert and Lt. Governor Spencer Cox to enact the following measures:

• Return statewide restrictions to orange level.
• Issue a statewide mandatory mask policy for those in enclosed public spaces or areas where significant social distancing is not possible.
• Encourage employers to allow employees to work from home, where possible, and to enforce social distancing rules and other measures to ensure employees who must work in close proximity to one another can do so in the safest manner possible.
• Instruct the COVID-19 Taskforce to source alternative health facilities should our hospitals exceed their ability to treat the critically ill.

“We cannot, in good conscience, support the recent decision by the Governor and Lt. Governor to lower the risk level to green in many of our counties. This virus is deadly and Utahns will pay the price for a premature opening. We are sensitive to the economic impacts of restrictions but the grave health impact must be taken seriously,” said Maryann Martindale, Executive Director, UAFP.