Gennifer
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,241 
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Post by Gennifer on Jan 21, 2022 21:23:25 GMT
So, a year ago our state legislature passed a bill saying a few things:
1- Mask orders could only be enacted by local (county) health departments with the support of the county councils.
2- No school district could require masks, unless the local health department/government agreed.
3- All schools had to have in-person classes. If they reached a certain threshold of Covid cases, the schools could not switch to online, but instead would implement a “test-to-stay” program where all students would be tested weekly, and only positive cases would do online.
Fast forward to now.
*At the beginning of the school year, the school district in SLC tried to require masks. The county council vetoed it.
*Two weeks ago, Summit County (where I live, which is decidedly liberal) issued a mask order, the first one in our state in about 18 months. The county council upheld it. Maybe 50% compliance, but cases started decreasing.
*The next day, Salt Lake County (also liberal) issued a mask order. Their county council upheld it. I don’t live there, but I suspect compliance was probably similar.
*Last Friday, the governor implored people to stop testing, because our cases are skyrocketing. Like triple the previous records, and with more hospitalizations than we have ever had. He said if you have symptoms to assume you have Omicron and stay home. He also canceled the test-to-stay initiative.
*This week multiple schools have had to go online because of high case counts and lack of teachers.
And, today, our wonderful state legislature revoked the counties’ rights to enact mask orders. Because apparently they don’t really want small (local) government to decide, they just want to decree.
FML.
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Post by supersoda on Jan 21, 2022 21:48:58 GMT
Ugh, I'm sorry. I can only commiserate because I'm in Texas where similar lunacy is the norm.
I've never been to Utah, but we're planning a Jeep trip there in late April and it looks so gorgeous! I'm having a tough time pinning down where to go because I want to see everything!
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Post by voltagain on Jan 21, 2022 21:54:34 GMT
So, a year ago our state legislature passed a bill saying a few things: 1- Mask orders could only be enacted by local (county) health departments with the support of the county councils. 2- No school district could require masks, unless the local health department/government agreed. 3- All schools had to have in-person classes. If they reached a certain threshold of Covid cases, the schools could not switch to online, but instead would implement a “test-to-stay” program where all students would be tested weekly, and only positive cases would do online. Fast forward to now. *At the beginning of the school year, the school district in SLC tried to require masks. The county council vetoed it. *Two weeks ago, Summit County (where I live, which is decidedly liberal) issued a mask order, the first one in our state in about 18 months. The county council upheld it. Maybe 50% compliance, but cases started decreasing. *The next day, Salt Lake County (also liberal) issued a mask order. Their county council upheld it. I don’t live there, but I suspect compliance was probably similar. *Last Friday, the governor implored people to stop testing, because our cases are skyrocketing. Like triple the previous records, and with more hospitalizations than we have ever had. He said if you have symptoms to assume you have Omicron and stay home. He also canceled the test-to-stay initiative. *This week multiple schools have had to go online because of high case counts and lack of teachers. And, today, our wonderful state legislature revoked the counties’ rights to enact mask orders. Because apparently they don’t really want small (local) government to decide, they just want to decree. FML. Are you sure you aren't in Oklahoma? Or maybe I am in Utah? Yeah, they don't like testing here because the numbers are rising soooo fast. Never mind the hospitals are overwhelmed with covid cases. They stopped posting the daily new case count on their covid website. They moved to a once a week average. For awhile it make the state numbers look good. Not so much now but it is still hard to figure out what is really going on. |
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Post by scraphappy0501 on Jan 21, 2022 21:57:37 GMT
Yep. I have no other words. I live in Utah as well. SMDH
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Post by elaine on Jan 21, 2022 22:16:40 GMT
I’m sorry.
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Judy26
Pearl Clutcher
MOTFY Bitchy Nursemaid
Posts: 2,974
Location: NW PA
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Post by Judy26 on Jan 21, 2022 22:21:53 GMT
We are doomed!
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peabay
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,940
Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Jan 21, 2022 22:30:45 GMT
You're not. The peak will come in about 2 weeks and then it will start heading downward, like it is here on the east coast. Not going to say it hasn't been rough - I swear I could hear the Jaws theme every time I left my house, as if I was being circled by the great white Omicron; and I feel like everyone I know has had it. But you will hit a peak at some point. I hope it's soon. |
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Post by deafpea on Jan 21, 2022 22:35:25 GMT
Yep. Fellow Utahn here too (Salt Lake County). And did you see that the Senate President showed up at the opening session, unmasked, after testing positive TWICE that very morning? And that our governor said that state buildings couldn't be included in the county mask mandate? It's almost as if our state government *doesn't* want Covid to be over or something.
Well, they can do what they want. I'll continue wearing my mask. I'll do my best to impress on my boys the importance of wearing their masks (and wearing them properly and all day except for eating, recess and PE). DH works from home so no worries there. DH and I just got our booster shots last week. DS13 is eligible for his booster next week and DS10 just got his vaccine in December so we're good on that front.
I love my state and I love living here but sometimes our leaders really make me scratch my head.
Merilee
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Judy26
Pearl Clutcher
MOTFY Bitchy Nursemaid
Posts: 2,974
Location: NW PA
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Post by Judy26 on Jan 21, 2022 22:37:30 GMT
You're not. The peak will come in about 2 weeks and then it will start heading downward, like it is here on the east coast. Not going to say it hasn't been rough - I swear I could hear the Jaws theme every time I left my house, as if I was being circled by the great white Omicron; and I feel like everyone I know has had it. But you will hit a peak at some point. I hope it's soon. Not doomed due to Covid. Doomed because of the idiots running the country! |
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sassyangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,456
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Post by sassyangel on Jan 21, 2022 22:53:38 GMT
You're not. The peak will come in about 2 weeks and then it will start heading downward, like it is here on the east coast. Not going to say it hasn't been rough - I swear I could hear the Jaws theme every time I left my house, as if I was being circled by the great white Omicron; and I feel like everyone I know has had it. But you will hit a peak at some point. I hope it's soon. Not doomed due to Covid. Doomed because of the idiots running the country! And long after Covid these people will continue enacting legislation that dooms us. 😕 |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Nov 24, 2024 14:46:22 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 21, 2022 23:16:36 GMT
Can California send all the anti (fill in the blank) crazies to your state? We will welcome you all covid believers with open arms.
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peabay
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,940
Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Jan 21, 2022 23:17:18 GMT
Not doomed due to Covid. Doomed because of the idiots running the country! And long after Covid these people will continue enacting legislation that dooms us. 😕 Well, yeah. I have nothing reassuring to say to that. |
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sassyangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,456
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Post by sassyangel on Jan 21, 2022 23:20:21 GMT
And long after Covid these people will continue enacting legislation that dooms us. 😕 Well, yeah. I have nothing reassuring to say to that. I know, and it wasn’t a dig at you, just lamenting and commiserating with the current awful Republican state reality. Really hoping you’re right about Covid.  |
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peabay
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,940
Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Jan 21, 2022 23:36:56 GMT
Well, yeah. I have nothing reassuring to say to that. I know, and it wasn’t a dig at you, just lamenting and commiserating with the current awful Republican state reality. Really hoping you’re right about Covid.  No worries. I knew that - I just wanted to try to reassure people that there is a light at the end of the omicron tunnel. But I do empathize with those who have leaders who just don't seem to want to help. |
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Post by lucyg on Jan 22, 2022 0:13:03 GMT
Can California send all the anti (fill in the blank) crazies to your state? We will welcome you all covid believers with open arms. I second this idea. |
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sassyangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,456
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Post by sassyangel on Jan 22, 2022 1:45:35 GMT
I know, and it wasn’t a dig at you, just lamenting and commiserating with the current awful Republican state reality. Really hoping you’re right about Covid. No worries. I knew that - I just wanted to try to reassure people that there is a light at the end of the omicron tunnel. But I do empathize with those who have leaders who just don't seem to want to help. I did feel much better about Covid. 🙂 |
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Post by papercrafteradvocate on Jan 22, 2022 2:16:51 GMT
Politicians should NOT be deciding what’s best for people. Ever.
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Post by ntsf on Jan 22, 2022 2:48:10 GMT
they said the surge is over in san francisco. the hospitals are still a bit stretched, but not like elsewhere.
we all wear kn or n 95's...
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Nov 24, 2024 14:46:22 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2022 10:12:54 GMT
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Post by Megan on Jan 22, 2022 13:06:00 GMT
We are planning on going to Utah late May for bonus son's high school graduation but I'm having a hard time pushing "buy" on the flights. It still seems so unknown where we'll all be four months.
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Post by mikklynn on Jan 22, 2022 13:56:08 GMT
You are not alone. My sister's school district did away with the mask mandate January 2nd! WTF?
My two nieces teach in the same district. One has Covid now, the other just recovered. And, of course, this is not considered worker's comp, they have to use their own personal time off.
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Post by elaine on Jan 22, 2022 14:32:55 GMT
Thank heaven our school district decided to ignore our new asshole Governor’s order to lift mask mandates. Our schools are 100% masked except for eating and outdoor recess. They sent out an official announcement yesterday.
I went to an NBA game in DC last night. You had to show proof of vaccination to even be admitted into the arena and masks were required in all areas but your seats - and enforced. Most people -including my son and myself - wore them at our seats except for while eating and drinking.
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Post by circusjohnson on Jan 23, 2022 4:48:56 GMT
It's incredibly frustrating! My school was remote last week. We start again on Monday but I'm pretty sure by Tuesday we may be heading back to remote learning. My theory is that the legislature will put a quick stop to that and rule again to end all test to stay and closing for any reason. Democracy does not thrive in a state that effectively has only one party.
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stittsygirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,613
Location: In the leaves and rain.
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Post by stittsygirl on Jan 23, 2022 7:48:19 GMT
I just forced myself to peruse Deseret News for a bit, looking for a specific subject, and I just had to close it and walk away because there was so much stupid. I can absolutely empathize with what you good Utah folk deal with there 🙄. Stay safe and well!
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Post by revirdsuba99 on Jan 24, 2022 22:18:05 GMT
They got a new cure/treatment, whatever.... Instead of just getting vaccinated, anti-vaxxers are drinking iodine antiseptic Side effects of ingesting Betadine can range from stomach pain to burning of one's gastrointestinal tract By NICOLE KARLIS PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 29, 2021 5:13PM (EDT) Another ineffective treatment for COVID-19 is being promoted in anti-vaccine and science-skeptical circles. First there was hydroxychloroquine, then ivermectin; now, according to multiple reports, some Americans are gargling and/or ingesting the iodine-based liquid Betadine to prevent COVID-19 — instead of getting vaccinated. Betadine is the brand name for povidone-iodine, an amber-colored liquid typically sold as a 10% solution as an antiseptic for cleaning wounds and skin. A 0.5% solution is sold as a gargle for sore throats, but the manufacturer cautions people not to swallow it. Recently, the manufacturer warned consumers not to consume Betadine to treat COVID-19, or rely on it as a form of treatment. Betadine Antiseptic First Aid products have not been approved to treat coronavirus," reads a statement on the manufacturer's website. "Products should only be used to help prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes and burns. Betadine Antiseptic products have not been demonstrated to be effective for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19 or any other viruses." www.salon.com/2021/09/29/instead-of-just-getting-vaccinated-anti-vaxxers-are-drinking-iodine-antiseptic/ |
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mommyv
Shy Member
Posts: 37
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Post by mommyv on Jan 25, 2022 0:19:07 GMT
Fellow Utahn here. I am dumbfounded by what the legislature has done. And I remember the press conference the governor held a few weeks ago, when he told everyone to stop testing if you are sick. Many politicians spoke, but only one person from the health department. I am embarrassed for them all. My hats go off to the health care workers and educators in our state who have to deal with the fallout of these buffoons.
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Post by scrapbookwriter on Jan 25, 2022 1:50:49 GMT
Fellow Utahn here. I am dumbfounded by what the legislature has done. And I remember the press conference the governor held a few weeks ago, when he told everyone to stop testing if you are sick. Many politicians spoke, but only one person from the health department. I am embarrassed for them all. My hats go off to the health care workers and educators in our state who have to deal with the fallout of these buffoons. This is not what I understood him to say. I thought he said you don't need to test to confirm that you have Covid; if you don't feel well, just assume you have it and stay home. Which I totally agree with. Not the testing part, but the "assume you have it and stay home" part. The governor also issued a mask mandate for everyone through January 28. The legislature overrode him, but that's not his fault. |
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Gennifer
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,241
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Post by Gennifer on Jan 25, 2022 4:36:25 GMT
Fellow Utahn here. I am dumbfounded by what the legislature has done. And I remember the press conference the governor held a few weeks ago, when he told everyone to stop testing if you are sick. Many politicians spoke, but only one person from the health department. I am embarrassed for them all. My hats go off to the health care workers and educators in our state who have to deal with the fallout of these buffoons. This is not what I understood him to say. I thought he said you don't need to test to confirm that you have Covid; if you don't feel well, just assume you have it and stay home. Which I totally agree with. Not the testing part, but the "assume you have it and stay home" part. The governor also issued a mask mandate for everyone through January 28. The legislature overrode him, but that's not his fault. The problem with that is that, even with symptoms, it doesn’t mean you have COVID. He said this on a Friday, and just a few days before 4 people in my household got tested, because they all had slight cold symptoms and had tangential exposures. All were negative. If you’ve been vaccinated and boosted, as we all have, you can’t go by the traditional symptoms like loss of smell/taste. Also, when did Cox issue a mask order? Because, like someone else mentioned, I only recall him saying that the SLCo order didn’t apply to federal buildings… in essence, he overruled their order where he could to NOT require them. PS: How are your family members? Did you and your husband ever get it? |
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Post by deafpea on Jan 25, 2022 4:47:05 GMT
This is not what I understood him to say. I thought he said you don't need to test to confirm that you have Covid; if you don't feel well, just assume you have it and stay home. Which I totally agree with. Not the testing part, but the "assume you have it and stay home" part. The governor also issued a mask mandate for everyone through January 28. The legislature overrode him, but that's not his fault. The problem with that is that, even with symptoms, it doesn’t mean you have COVID. He said this on a Friday, and just a few days before 4 people in my household got tested, because they all had slight cold symptoms and had tangential exposures. All were negative. If you’ve been vaccinated and boosted, as we all have, you can’t go by the traditional symptoms like loss of smell/taste. Also, when did Cox issue a mask order? Because, like someone else mentioned, I only recall him saying that the SLCo order didn’t apply to federal buildings… in essence, he overruled their order where he could to NOT require them. PS: How are your family members? Did you and your husband ever get it? It was Dr. Dunn who issued the mask order in SL County. The County Council voted to uphold it. Cox said state buildings were exempt from the order (and maybe federal too? don't remember about that). Two of the Republican County Coucilwomen who voted to uphold the mask mandate were hauled into a meeting with some of the Legislature leaders and were pressured to change their votes. They refused so the Legislature decided to take matters into their own hands. The Salt Lake Tribune had a story with their point of view of the whole experience and all I can say is--I'm proud of those two women for standing up to a group of men who thought they could somehow browbeat them into changing their minds! |
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Gennifer
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,241
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Post by Gennifer on Jan 25, 2022 5:07:14 GMT
Sorry deafpea, you are correct. Cox exempted state buildings, not federal. |
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