The state of Utah has announced that it is switching into its “yellow risk phase” and further loosening restrictions in most counties following the coronavirus pandemic. This comes as several other states have announced and begun their reopening plans over the past couple of weeks.
Under these guidelines, social distancing is still recommended, and people are still expected to wear face coverings. Additionally, in pools and on pool decks, people are not allowed to be in large groups, with the state’s general policy being 50 people or less.
Counties not included in the reopening include Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Grand County, Magna County, Summit County and Wasatch County, which all remain at an “orange risk phase.” This means that pools are limited in those areas to only 1 lap swimmer per lane.
Additionally, the state is still highly encouraging at-risk individuals to continue to social distance themselves. In a tweet, Governor Gary Hebert points to this stating, “Individuals in high-risk categories, including older adults and those who are immunocompromised (and those who care for them) need to continue to follow “high risk” protocols, regardless of whether their community is under an orange or yellow designation.”
Individuals in high-risk categories, including older adults and those who are immunocompromised (and those who care for them) need to continue to follow “high risk” protocols, regardless of whether their community is under an orange or yellow designation. #utcovid19 pic.twitter.com/ElAeTIFxeC
— Gary R. Herbert (@GovHerbert) May 14, 2020
Under the yellow designation, businesses and facilities around Utah are able to reopen with certain restrictions, including:
- Restaurants
- Retail Shops
- Hotels
- Day Cares
- Gyms
- Personal Health Services
- Public Pools
Although the state hasn’t released any more guidelines pertaining to swim teams and practices, youth sports are expected to resume with contact limitations and no spectators.
In Salt Lake City, where the ban has not been lifted, officials say they hope to be able to open city pools by July 1st.
The Utah Swimming Local Swimming Committee reports over 4,500 member athletes and 32 clubs under its umbrella.
As a state, Utah has just over 7,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus, with only 80 deaths. A study released in early May found it to be the state with the second-fewest coronavirus restrictions.
UPDATED LIST OF POOL REOPENINGS
- Alabama – 50% capacity (May 11)
- Alaska – 50% capacity
- Arizona – 50% capacity (May 15)
- Arkansas – 50% capacity (May 22)
- Delaware – Community Pools at 20% capacity, no swim lessons or team practices (May 22)
- Florida – some localities have allowed pools to begin to reopen under a patchwork of restrictions
- Indiana – Adhering to Social Distancing Guidelines (May 24)
- Georgia – 10 or fewer people, or 6 feet of space per person (May 14)
- Kentucky – Pools designated for training or exercise can reopen (June 1)
- Louisiana– Lap Swimming can resume at 25% capacity
- Massachusetts — Pools will open June 8th at the earliest with limited capacity and social distancing measures
- Mississippi – six feet apart
- Ohio – CDC Guidelines (May 26)
- South Carolina – Smaller of 20%/5 people per 1000 square feet (May 18)
- Texas – 25% capacity
- Virginia – Outdoor lap Swimming only, 1-per-lane (May 15)
- Wyoming – 1 person per lane
Maybe show a picture of a Utah pool?
KCAC?
It is the University of Utah team though, so not a complete misnomer (or image in this case)!