By Julie Johansen
With President Donald Trump advising that everyone practice social distancing, Utah Governor Gary Herbert directing that Utahns “Stay Safe, Stay Home” and the Southeast Utah Department of Health (SEUHD) amending its public health order stating that citizens should only camp in the county of their residence, many are questioning their plans for Easter weekend.
The Emery County Sheriff’s Office encourages everyone to abide by the SEUHD’s public health order and Governor Herbert’s Stay Safe, Stay Home directive. On March 30, the Southeast Utah Health Department amended its original health order in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic. That order states that a continuing restriction of camping and lodging facilities within Carbon, Emery and Grand counties is essential to deter the spread of the virus.
Section 3 of the order reads: Essential visitors and primary residents may utilize public lands for primitive camping purposes only in their county of primary residence. No camp shall be located within 50 yards of another camp and no camp shall consist of more than 10 people unless all are of the same immediate family.
An essential visitor is any individual renting lodging or camping for an amount of time less than 30 days for the purpose of work within Carbon, Emery or Grand counties, or for an employer within these boundaries and their spouses and dependents.
Primary residents are any individuals renting lodging for periods of 30 days or greater, or who are permanent residents of the counties in which they are seeking lodging.
Hotels, motels, RV parks and campgrounds may allow travelers to secure lodging for a period not to exceed one night in the event that out-of-state travelers seeking lodging are unaware of the overnight stay restriction, or are travelers who experience vehicle problems, are fatigued, ill or are otherwise unable to further travel safely.
Brittney Garff, Public Health Information Officer of the SEUHD, clarified this order by stating, “As of right now, there is not a specific prohibition on day trips and recreation.” She continued, “The SEUHD recognizes the value of being outside and participating in wholesome recreational activities with immediate family members. Right now, we encourage everyone to remain within their counties and close to home, so that we do not inadvertently put additional strain on the limited resources in the event of an accident or sudden illness.”
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is also working during these times to keep those recreating and camping safe. “The BLM encourages all visitors to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state and local guidance to help reduce the spread of COVID-19,” the Bureau of Land Mangement shared in a statement. “These measures include following routine precautions like washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth, covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.”
The statement continued, explaining that BLM rangers are still out in the field and hard at work. When rangers speak with members of the public, they are informing them about the local health orders. Bureau of Land Management rangers are also working closely with local law enforcement during this time.
