It’s been seven months since Utah recorded its first COVID-19 case. Today, during a news conference, Governor Gary Herbert announced a change veering away from the state’s ‘colorcoded’ scale, which has been used to decipher restrictions in each county.

“It’s really time for new a game plan. We have to make some adjustments. As a state government we owe it to you to make critical decisions about the COVID-19 pandemic based on critical health data, not based on fear and certainly not based on politics,” said Governor Herbert. “Working collaboratively with our state and local public health professionals, our education sector, our legislative leadership, and the business community and many others, we’ve worked to create a new game plan for Utah’s second half of this contest.”

The new system, dubbed the COVID-19 Transmission Index, requires the Utah Department of Health to analyze three key data points, every week, for each County. Based on that data, the county will be categorized as a high, moderate, or low transmission area.

State Epidemiologist, Dr. Angela Dunn, went on to explain that the different levels correspond directly to case rates, positivity rates, and ICU utilization.

“Counties are going to be able to move from lower to higher transmission levels every week, but counties can only be moved from higher to lower levels after spending a minimum of 14 days in that higher level,” said Dr. Dunn.

The Coronavirus state website will be updated every Thursday to reflect which counties are at which level. So, what is being asked of individuals and businesses in both areas of high and October 13, 2020 moderate? Utah Department of Health Interim Executive Director Rich Saunders says simply wearing a mask can help stop the spread of the virus.

“I know that masks are controversial, some people make political statements by either wearing them or not wearing them,” said Saunders. “But if you take the politics out and you look at the science, masks just work.”

Currently, Salt Lake County has been designated as a ‘high risk area. That means, in West Jordan, masks are still mandated, social groups should be kept to 10 people or fewer, and physical distancing measures are still in place.

When it comes to larger public gatherings, Governor Herbert said masks should always be required.

“Public gatherings can be held in all transmission levels, but masks are always required. (This covers things like performing venues, weddings, religious services, and sporting events.) Additional distancing requirements are in place, depending on the transmission level.”

For more information on this new system visit: coronavirus.utah.gov