BOX ELDER COUNTY – By Cari Doutre - April 27, 2020
A complied and updated list of local information, closures, statistics and more during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic and shutdown as of April 27, 2020.
New or updated information will be noted and listed first.
For more updates, corrections or to add information, email us at: valleyheadliner@gmail.com
The Bear River Health Department (Box Elder, Cache and Rich counties) confirmed on March 17, 2020 that the health district had their first confirmed case of COVID-19. This case was in Box Elder County.
Click on the link below for The Valley Headliner - BRVNEWS.com's previously published article.
UPDATED - COVID-19 STATISTICS AS OF APRIL 27, 2020:
- (60) confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Bear River Health Department’s district
- (1) COVID-19 related death in Bear River Health Department's district
- (17) confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Box Elder County
- (43) confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Cache County
- A total of (4,233) confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Utah
- (41) COVID-19 related deaths in Utah
For daily updates, click on Bear River Health Department’s link below. New case counts are generally posted daily at 1 p.m. https://brhd.org/coronavirus/
For more information on Utah’s entire case count, click on the Utah Department of Health’s link: coronavirus.utah.gov/case-counts
NEW – UTAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO REMAIN CLOSED:
Utah Governor Gary Herbert announced on April 14, 2020 that all public schools in Utah are to remain dismissed or under a soft closure, for the remaining 2019-2020 school year.
Box Elder School District offered further clarity for online learning. Read that article below.
NEW - UTAH HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CANCELS SPRING SPORTS:
On April 15, the UHSAA officially cancelled all spring 2020 high school sports following Governor Herbert's announcement the day before.
BEAR RIVER BOARD OF HEALTH PASSES A PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER;
GYMS AND FITNESS CENTERS TO OPEN WITH RESTRICTIONS:
The Bear River Health Department released a Public Health Order 2020-03 on April 13. Included in that order is a change to restrictions for gyms and fitness centers.
Gyms and fitness centers in Box Elder County are permitted to open their business doors again for patrons but must following these restrictions and guidelines:
- Any employee that presents any symptoms of COVID-19 are not permitted to work
- Clients, patrons and customers shall be screened by phone and/or in-person prior to entering the establishment
- Any client, patron or customer showing any of the following symptoms will be excluded from the facility (cough, shortness of breath, chills, fever, sneezing with nasal discharge)
- Only one (1) individual per 100 square feet AND have at least 10 feet of separation from others
- No team or group activities allowed
- All locker rooms and shower areas are closed. Use of toilets, hand sinks and urinals are allowed
- All equipment shall be disinfected after each use
- No sign-up sheets, touch pads, or touch surfaces shall be used to enter facilities
- Strongly recommended that individuals over the age of 60 or individuals with underlying health conditions refrain from using the facilities
- Strongly recommended that patrons wear non-surgical face masks that completely cover the mouth and nose
The entire public order can be found HERE
For more information on Results Gym & Fitness and Bear River Strength and Conditioning's plans and policies, visit their Facebook pages or click on the website links below.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ISSUES STIMULUS CHECKS:
Millions of Americans will receive an economic stimulus check from the federal government starting April 13. The federal government will distribute those checks through the IRS.
For more information on stimulus checks, click on the link below.
UTAH REQUIRES DECLARATION FORMS PRIOR TO ENTERING THE STATE:
In an effort to prevent further spreading of COVID-19 in Utah, Utah Governor Gary Herbert issued an executive order on April 10, that requires everyone over the age of 18 submit a declaration survey when entering the state. All individuals entering Utah, including air travelers, must submit the form.
A State of Utah Travel Declaration Form is required by individuals within three hours of entering Utah. Information collected from those forms will be transferred to the Utah Department of Health to help trace and mitigate COVID-19 activity in Utah.
The form also informs travelers of Utah’s current COVID-19 public orders, guidelines and restrictions.
The Utah Department of Transportation designed an alert text system for motorists that reminds them to fill out the form.
For more information on the State of Utah Travel Declaration Form, click on the link below.
THE BISTRO AT BEAR RIVER VALLEY HOSPITAL OFFERS CURBSIDE SERVICE ONLY:
The Bistro, located at Bear River Valley Hospital in Tremonton, only offer curbside takeout options starting Monday, April 6.
Previous guidelines state that all guests under the age of 18, in accordance with recent Intermountain Healthcare policies, are prohibited from entering the Bistro effective March 16.
STATE ORDERS EXTENSIONS FOR BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS AND CLOSURES:
Utah Governor Gary Herbert released a public health order on April 1, that includes extensions on closures and business requirements.
Included in that order is an extension that bans all in-dining restaurants or other facilities similar until April 15, 2020. The full order is attached below.
BOX ELDER COUNTY CLOSES LANDFILL TO THE PUBLIC:
Box Elder County officials officially closed the landfill to the public sector after recent events overloaded employees and services at the landfill.
For a full story on this closure, click on the article below that was previously published by The Valley Headliner – BRVNEWS.com
Attached below is the full statement from Box Elder County
ALL NON-ESSENTIAL OR ELECTIVE MEDICAL PROCEDURES ARE SUSPENDED WITH THE FOLLOWING LOCAL BUSINESSES:
- Bear River Eye Center (Tremonton):
- Edge Orthodontics (Garland and Brigham City):
- Gardner Dental (Tremonton):
- Goodwin Dental (Garland):
- Kay Christensen Dental (Garland)
BEAR RIVER HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S TREMONTON LOCATION TEMPORARILY CLOSED:
In a press release dated March 31, The Bear River Health Department announced the temporary closure of their Tremonton office, located at 440 W. 600 N., Tremonton, effective April 1.
“To best utilize our staff and resources in response to COVID-19, the health department will temporarily close our Tremonton location,” the press release stated.
See the entire press release below
THE BEAR RIVER HEALTH DEPARTMENT PASSED A PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER SUPPORTING GOVERNOR HERBERT’S DIRECTIVES:
The Bear River Health Department passed an order on March 28, that supports Governor Herbert’s order issued on March 27.
The full order can be found by clicking on the link below
SCHOOL BUS STOP MEAL DELIVERY OVER AS OF MARCH 27:
School buses in Box Elder School District will no longer be delivering breakfast and lunch to bus stops in the county as March 27.
The district will move to a summer meal program that is free to children 0-18.
Meals are available from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. (noon) for lunch and breakfast the next day in grab and go bags.
No breakfast on April 6
Meals will be available curbside only
Children must be there to pick up their own meals (Federal Food Program requirement)
Locations:
McKinley Elementary
Garland Elementary
Fielding Elementary
Century Elementary
Snowville School
Park Valley School (Monday to Thursday)
Alice C. Harris Intermediate
Bear River High School
Discovery Elementary
Mountain View Elementary
Three Mile Creek
Adele C. Young Intermediate School
Box Elder Middle School
Box Elder High School
For more information, click on BRVNEWS.com’s previously published article here:
COVID-19 DRIVE-THRU TESTING AT INTERMOUNTAIN HEALTHCARE FACILITIES:
Intermountain Healthcare has started drive-thru testing at several facilities in Utah, including Bear River Clinic located at The Bear River Valley Hospital in Tremonton.
Testing will be available:
Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.
For more information, click on BRVNEWS.com’s published article here:
UTAH GOVERNOR GARY HERBERT ANNOUNCES DIRECTIVES FOR INDIVIDUALS:
On March 27, the following order was issued by Governor Herbert with the following directives in place until 11:59 p.m. on April 13, 2020.
A few of those directives include:
1. Stay at home as much as possible.
2. Work from home whenever possible.
3. Encourage socializing by phone and video chats.
4. Self-quarantine for 14 days after traveling or being exposed to an individual presenting symptoms of illness consistent with COVID-19.
5. Engage in appropriate social distancing, including:
1. maintaining a 6-foot distance at all times from other individuals when in public;
2. not shaking hands with other individuals;
3. not visiting friends or family without urgent need;
4. not attending any gathering of any number of people, except for members of the same household or residence.
Children:
1. Do not attend school outside the home.
2. Do not arrange or participate in in-person playdates or similar activities.
3. Do not allow children on public playground equipment.
Time Spent Outside:
1. Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet away from another person at all times while outside.
2. Exercise outside while maintaining 6-foot distance from another person and without touching common areas.
3. Do not congregate at trailheads and other outdoor spaces.
4. Do not travel to, or participate in activities at, any of the following locations:
1. places of public amusement or public activity;
2. public swimming pools; or
3. gyms, and fitness centers.
Recreational and Outdoor Activities and Parks:
1. Remain at least six feet apart from individuals from other households while engaging in outdoor activities (e.g., walking, hiking, running, biking, driving for pleasure, hunting, or fishing).
2. Do not congregate at trailheads, parks, or other outdoor spaces.
3. Do not engage in close-contact or team sports.
4. Do not go to or engage in activities at a state park located outside the county in which you reside (the availability of national parks will be determined in consultation with the National Park Service and the county in which the park is located).
For a complete look at Herbert’s directive, click on the link here:
“UTAH LEADS TOGETHER” PLAN RELEASED BY GOVERNOR HERBERT:
The Utah Leads Together economic response plan gives structure and order in several phases was released on March 24.
The plan includes three phases of response: urgent, stabilization, and recovery. These phases are to help businesses balance the health of employees while planning imperatives vital for continuing operations.
For a complete look at that plan, click on the link here:
UTAH PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISMISSED UNTIL MAY 1:
Governor Herbert announced on March 23, that all K-12 public schools in Utah are extending their dismissal through May 1.
Individual school districts will determine what is best for their students and district.
Box Elder School District will continue with soft closures which includes online learning at home for students.
ALL UTAH RESTAURANT ORDERED TO CLOSE IN-DINING SERVICES:
The Utah Department of Health issued an order on Tuesday, March 17, that all restaurants, bars and food services in Utah suspend all dine-in operations for two weeks. This order was officially extended on April 1, until April 15.
The order took effect on Wednesday, March 18, at 11:59 p.m.
However, food establishments and restaurants can still offer drive-thru, pickup and delivery options – just no customers dining in.
The Utah Department of Health strongly recommends that customers use online and telephone transaction services to pay for meals. “Cash payments are strongly discouraged,” the statement added.
Employees that handle credit cards or cash are required to use cleaning measures between each transaction. Any employee that handles cash or credit cards “may not participate in food preparation, handling or delivery.”
For more information, click on BRVNEWS.com’s published article here:
RESULTS GYM & FITNESS and BEAR RIVER STRENGTH & CONDITION CLOSED:
Both Tremonton businesses are closed until further notice, as recommended by The Bear River Health Department.
Virtural or online classes are being held. More information can be found on their Facebook pages or on their websites on the links below:
GATHERINGS OF 10 OR MORE PEOPLE PROHIBITED:
The Utah Department of Health issued an order on Tuesday, March 17, prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people. This does not include grocery stores.
Businesses that have more than 10 employees are asked to implement social distancing with 6 feet or more between workers in communal areas.
UTAH STATE SCHOOL BOARD WAIVES REQUIREMENTS:
On Thursday, March 19, the Utah State School Board of Education announced that they will waive school day requirements for schools 2019-20 school year. Schools are no longer required to have 180 total school days for the year. All public schools in Utah are currently dismissed for a two-week period.
The board also suspended the requirement for statewide assessments for the current school year.
ALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISMISSED UNDER “SOFT CLOSE” ORDERS BY THE STATE:
Utah Governor Gary Herbert announced on Friday, March 13, that all public schools will be dismissed, or implement a “soft close” for two weeks starting March 16. This was later extended to May 1.
“We feel strongly that the best way to keep our communities healthy is to implement these measures early, rather than late,” Herbert said in a press conference.
All school districts in Utah will determine what is best for their community.
BOX ELDER SCHOOL DISTRICT’S DISMISSAL OR “SOFT CLOSURE” PLANS:
“This school closure is a preventative measure to decrease the spread of coronavirus. A soft school closure means that students will be dismissed from school, but facilities would be kept open and staff will continue to work,” Box Elder School District stated in a letter sent to parents on March 13.
- Beginning Wednesday, March 18, students will be learning at home via online curriculum. For students without access to internet, a curriculum can be picked up at their school or mailed to them via USPS.
- For students that don’t have devices at home for the online curriculum, Chromebook’s can be checked out and used at home.
BOX ELDER SCHOOL DISTRICT: https://www.besd.net/
All extracurricular school activities, including those associated with the Utah High School Activities Association, are suspended for two weeks. This includes all high school sports and all other activities (school dances, events, etc.). More on UHSAA suspensions can be found below.
“We appreciate the community working together to minimize any spread of the coronavirus throughout the district. As a district, we are encouraging all parents to limit large group gatherings during this time.” - Box Elder School District March 13, 2020 parent email.
OTHER BOX ELDER SCHOOL DISTRICT CLOSURES:
- The Bear River Natatorium will be closed until April 6. Swim lessons are postponed.
- The Box Elder Natatorium will be closed until April 6 or until further notice. Swim lessons are postponed.
UTAH HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION: https://www.uhsaa.org/index.php
- All UHSAA spring activities will be suspended starting Monday, March 16. This order was extended until May 1.
- Those suspended activities include all team practices and gatherings
- Member schools and/or districts will suspend spring activities immediately
- All out of state school related travel has been suspended until further notice
TREMONTON CITY: www.tremontoncity.org
Tremonton City’s COVID-19 plan can be found at:
- All city services remain fully active
- All Tremonton City events are canceled or postponed until further notice
- Both the Tremonton City Council and Planning Commission will continue operation
- Justice Court is continuing all operations
- Limited public meetings will be held
TREMONTON CITY LIBRARY: http://tremontoncity.org/community/library/
- All programs and activities are suspended
- Limited check-out services will begin on March 16
TREMONTON FOOD PANTRY: http://tremontoncity.org/community/food-pantry/
- Limited operations
- The food pantry will be open Mondays and Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. for donations
- Free lunch program canceled
- Boy Scouts of America food drive is postponed
BEAR RIVER VALLEY SENIOR CENTER: http://tremontoncity.org/community/senior-center/
- Normal operating hours, for now
- The health fair has been postponed until further notice
- All meals must be ordered by Wednesday
TREMONTON PARKS AND RECREATION: http://tremontoncity.org/community/parks-rec/
- All youth and adult programs or games are suspended or cancelled
- The Slothathlon starting line will now be a virtual kickoff
GARLAND CITY: http://www.garlandutah.org/
- Garland City’s annual Easter egg hunt, hosted by the Garland City Fire Department, is cancelled
- All Garland City Recreation programs, practices and events are suspended or cancelled
GARLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY: https://www.garlandlibrary.org/
- The Garland Public Library will be closed starting Monday, March 16, until further notice
- All library programs, including Story Time, are suspended until further notice
GARLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT: http://garlandfd.com/
- The Garland City Fire Department’s annual Salmon Fry event (normally held in June) is cancelled this year
- The fire department is suspending participation in all non-essential public events and station tours
- All Garland City Fire Department facilities are on lockdown from public access. No visitors allowed in the facility without approval of immediate supervisor or emergency response
BOX ELDER COUNTY: http://www.boxeldercounty.org/
- The Box Elder County landfill is closed to the public
BEAR RIVER HEALTH DEPARTMENT: https://brhd.org/
- The Bear River Health Department’s Tremonton office is closed as of April 1
NEW HOPE CRISIS CENTER: https://newhopecrisiscenter.org/
- Until further notice the New Hope Crisis Center is closed to the general public
- Temporarily suspending some services
- Providing only crisis and essential services such as domestic violence shelter and services and sexual assault services
- All group classes are suspended until further notice
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF NORTHERN UTAH: www.bcbrclub.org
- Boys & Girls Clubs are closed in accordance with all Utah public school dismissals until further notice
BEAR RIVER MIGRATORY BIRD REFUGE: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/bear_river_migratory_bird_refuge/
- The Refuge Wildlife Education Center and Auto Tour Route will remain open
THE OLD BARN COMMUNITY THEATER: www.oldbarn.org
- All remaining shows, including “The Wizard of Oz” will be postponed until further notice. For more information find them on Facebook
HERITAGE THEATER: www.heritagetheaterutah.com
- All performances will be canceled until further notice
BOX ELDER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: https://www.boxelderchamber.com/
- All career fairs for Bear River High and Box Elder High have been postponed
UTAH STATE PARKS: https://stateparks.utah.gov/
- All 44 of Utah’s state parks, including Willard Bay in Box Elder County are open
- All events at Utah state parks have been cancelled
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/
- All public gatherings of Church members are suspended worldwide until further notice. This include stake conferences, leadership conferences, all public worship services (including sacrament meetings), all branch, stake and ward activities or other large gatherings
- All temples are closed as of March 26, until further notice
- Senior or couple missionaries are all ordered to return home and undergo a 14-day isolation
- All other missionaries will likely see a reduced term of service to accommodate the large number of missionaries returning home from around the world
- All missionaries ordered home will either undergo a 14-day self-isolation or quarantine
- Beginning March 16, all missionaries scheduled to enter missionary training centers in Provo, Utah or Preston, England, will be trained remotely by video conference. All other missionary training centers will continue as usual but will not receive any missionaries from regions where government officials are restricting activity due to COVID-19.