Gov. Herbert discusses COVID guidelines for the holidays during press conference

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert announced modifications to the current mandates for COVID-19 during a press conference on Nov.19. 

The mask mandate will continue, but the mandate limiting gatherings to people in their own households has changed. 

Starting Nov. 24, people who don’t live in the same household may gather together. 

This is being done because the government will not mandate what is done in individual homes. 

“We want you to have a happy holiday season. But we also want you to have a safe holiday season,” Herbert said. 

There are guidelines Utahns can follow to make gathering with those outside their household safer. To minimize the possibility of spread, people should still only gather with members of their immediate household. 

However, if people choose to allow guests outside of their household to gather with them for the holidays, there are some guidelines Herbert and the Utah Department of Health have instituted. 

It is recommended that people try to keep their groups small. The longer large groups are physically close together, the more risky that situation becomes in catching and spreading COVID-19. Gathering with large amounts of people for long periods of time should be minimized. 

It is also advised that people who come from other households bring more risk with them. Utahns should require their guests to wear masks while in their home. If people are sick, or have tested positive for COVID-19, then they should not come. 

Physically distancing and masks should be the norm. Seating should be socially distanced. 

It was also recommended that people gather outside, if possible. If groups gather inside, they should make sure they have proper ventilation. 

As always, proper hygiene, washing hands and using hand sanitizer are highly recommended. 

Those that prepare the food should be wearing a mask. Avoid potluck type dinners. One person should prepare and serve the food to minimize the risk of the COVID-19.   

For more information on how to be safe during the holidays, visit https://coronavirus.utah.gov/holidays/

kellie.christensen@aggiemail.usu.edu