Heber Valley Life

Tag: coronavirus

  • Free Rapid Covid-19 Tests offered in Heber

    Free Rapid Covid-19 Tests offered in Heber

    TestUtah will be providing free Covid-19 Rapid Antigen tests in Heber City. The drive-through tests will be available on January 11 from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm and January 12 from noon to 7:00 pm. The testing center is located at the Wasatch County Events Center. The Antigen tests can be completely processed in only 15-20 minutes.

    These tests will be provided free to anyone, regardless of symptoms or insurance. Anyone interested in participating in the free testing should go online to www.testutah.com. Participants are asked a short series of questions regarding possible symptoms and exposure. They will then be able to register for a test.

    The TestUtah initiative is sponsored through Silicon Slopes, in partnership with the State of Utah and private corporations. The goal of the initiative is to “dramatically increase the rate of COVID-19 testing” by providing free tests to all Utahns. All testing and equipment is provided by the State of Utah. However, many of the staff members are working as volunteers. In addition to Silicon Slopes, several other companies have also contributed, including Qualtrics, Domo, and ATL Technology.

    Wasatch County School District is encouraging members of the community to take advantage of the free testing. A recent post on the District’s Facebook page read, “As we wind down from the holiday break, we hope this free testing opportunity will help quickly identify new cases and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our schools.” Free testing is always available to students at a site on the West Campus near Wasatch High School.

    According to TestUtah, “Widespread testing is a proven, effective way to combat the spread of COVID-19.” Testing across Utah enables greater tracking and containment of the virus. This will “help stem the spread of COVID-19, to get us back to normal as quickly as possible.”

  • New Covid Restrictions Mandated for Wasatch County

    New Covid Restrictions Mandated for Wasatch County

    Utah’s government launched a new “Level of Transmission” index on Tuesday. It will provide a more scientific way for assessing each county’s Covid situation, along with new restrictions created to fight the current rise in cases. Color-coded guidelines are discontinued. 

    Wasatch County is one of six Utah counties currently on “high transmission” risk. Levels will be reassessed weekly. They are determined by looking at case rates per 100K, percent of test positivity, and statewide ICU usage.  

    The Governor did not enact a statewide mask requirement, as some have asked him to do. However, masks are required in the “high level” counties and in the “moderate” level until 10/29.   

    The new guidelines emphasize care being taken during casual gatherings between family and friends. These small social gatherings are considered to be one of the main causes for the current high numbers in Utah.  

    In Wasatch County, under the high designation, the following restrictions are now in place, according to coronavirus.utah.gov:  

    1. Casual social gatherings are now limited to 10 or fewer people. This doesn’t include “formal religious services” or events “overseen by a formal organization.”  
    1. Masks are required for “public indoor settings and outdoors when physical distancing is not feasible.” 
    1. Restaurants, including bars and buffets, must maintain six feet between parties at all times (including waiting and seating areas.) 
    1. Other establishments allowing public gathering, including live events, movie theaters, sporting events, weddings, recreation, and entertainment, must require masks (performers excluded) and six feet distancing between household groups. (Rare exceptions to distancing may be requested, but are highly discouraged.)  
    1. Business owners also have additional restrictions, which are available on the website. 

    Wasatch County’s Covid numbers will be reviewed each week. The “High” transmission level may be lowered after 14 days, depending on if the county is meeting threshold numbers.  

    “Over the last 4 weeks, we’ve seen our infection rates and case counts skyrocket to the highest they’ve ever been,” said Utah Governor Gary Herbert. “It’s really time for a new game plan.” 

    Additional information is available at https://coronavirus.utah.gov/utah-health-guidance-levels/.

Translate