‘Stay safe, stay home’: What do new movement restrictions mean for Utahns?

Derek Neth gives Fidel Lopez a haircut at Ray’s Barber Shop on Main Street in Salt Lake City on Friday, March 27, 2020. The barbershop is one of the few businesses that is open in downtown Salt Lake City. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

SALT LAKE CITY — Gov. Gary Herbert issued a directive Friday to further restrict Utahns’ movements in the community in hopes of slowing the spread of COVID-19, but it falls short of a stay-at-home or shelter-in-place order.

The governor is calling it “stay safe, stay home” and it begins immediately for residents. It starts Monday for businesses. The directive will be in place through April 13. The four-page document emphasizes many restrictions and safety measures already in place.

Basically, Utahns are being told to further limit their movements as much as possible. That means refraining from gatherings outside the home and not interacting with friends and family unless it’s urgent. Visiting at-risk populations, such as people in care centers, is out

The directive restricts recreational travel, visiting people in hospitals and playing on public playgrounds. Arranging play dates for children is not advised. Leisurely drives are allowed.

It also means working from home wherever and whenever possible. For people who do go to work, businesses are being advised to check employees’ health as they come in, whether that be by asking questions or taking temperatures.

The directive does not preclude shopping for goods and services, curbside pickup from restaurants and going to medical appointments. Outdoor recreation such as walking, jogging, hiking, biking, hunting and fishing also isn’t being restricted, though social distancing of at least six feet is a must.

State parks are available only to residents of the county in which they reside.

Police will not make house checks or stop people to enforce the directive, though they might approach large gatherings.

The directive gives local health departments flexibility to make their own decisions to expand the directive, such as restrictions on public parks, golf courses and playgrounds.

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