Update - July 8, 2020
- Jan 24, 2023
- 3 min read
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope everyone enjoyed celebrating Independence Day this weekend. It surely was a unique one that we won’t soon forget. While many of the old familiar events were cancelled, it seems like everyone was bound and determined to celebrate with gusto. Freedom is always worth celebrating.
Of course, with any freedom comes responsibility. It requires us to watch out for each other and to guard against abuses, not through a mandate, but through the values that we have been taught living in a free land. I encourage everyone to follow CDC guidelines and to wear a mask in public. Wearing a mask is about protecting our families, friends, neighbors and communities. It's about keeping Utahns working, and businesses open. It's about preventing our health care system from being overwhelmed. While we all would prefer not to wear masks, Utahns look out for each other, so let's unite and do it anyway.
Utah has made great progress with COVID-19, but we need to remember we're not out of the woods yet. We all must continue doing everything we can to slow the spread of COVID-19.
State Data (as of July 7th)
Total Cases: 26,033
Total People Tested: 382,849
Total Hospitalizations: 1,653
Total Deaths: 194
Estimated Recovered: 14,764
Utah County Dept Health
Total Cases: 4,648
Total Tested: 66,913
Hospitalizations: 238
Deaths: 23
Estimated Recovered: 2,700
The graphic below illustrates Utah data on COVID-19 patients hospitalized, individuals with COVID-19 not hospitalized, and available ICU and non-ICU hospital beds.
The graph below shows Utah’s ICU capacity from May 1 through June 28.
Education
In order for our educational institutions to resume operations, it is apparent that some changes need to be implemented. The CDC has issued recommendations for childcare, schools and youth programs, as well as colleges and universities. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released its own recommendations for school re-entry. Their guidance can be found here.
State Fair
The Utah State Fair is also going to be quite different this year, with limits to food and vendor booths as well as a rebranding. The event will be called a “September to Remember.” Learn more about the changes here.
Child Well-Being
With so much of our focus on the negative over the last few months, it’s always good to hear a little positive news about Utah. The Annie E. Casey Foundation has found that a child’s chances of thriving depend on individual, family and community characteristics but also on the state in which the child is born. The Foundation ranked Utah 4th in the nation for overall child well-being. Learn more here.
In the News
I Look Forward to Hearing From You!
I'll try to continually keep you informed about my work on the Hill – likewise, please keep in touch – I’d love to hear your insights and opinions.
I can be reached by email at dmccay@le.utah.gov. You’re also welcome to join me at the Capitol and if you’d like to meet with me in person outside of interim or the legislative session, you can reach Jason Gould at jgould@le.utah.gov. He’ll help us get in touch.
I’m truly grateful for the opportunity you’ve given me to serve in this capacity. We live in a unique and special place. Thank you for all you do to make Utah the best state in the nation – and thanks for paying attention.
Until next time,
Senator Dan McCay
Utah Senate District 11
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