In times like these, optimism is a necessity to get over the bumps in the road.

I believe it will take a pioneering spirit to successfully get through the pandemic with our health and economy intact. I know we can do it.

As the school year approaches, now is the time for our state to unite and recommit to doing our part to fight COVID-19.

Governor Herbert challenged Utahns to reduce transmission of the novel coronavirus by staying home when sick and wearing a mask in public.

With freedom comes responsibility. It requires us to watch out for each other and to guard against abuses.

Hospitalizations are a much better indicator of the risk to our healthcare system and they have remained relatively stable for several days.

Last week we celebrated Juneteenth. Commemorating the emancipation of the last remaining African American slaves in the Confederacy.

The idea is to protect the vulnerable population and allow the state to continue to transition health risk phases and stay open.

The state has been successful in this effort as hospital capacity has remained stable throughout the health crisis.

The only way we’ll beat this virus and keep our economy intact is if we come together as a community.

What a great opportunity we have to remember those who have gone before us, especially those who sacrificed so much for our freedom.

I’m proud of the citizens of our state and the example they have set for the rest of the country.