Salt Lake City could move into 'yellow' low risk phase this weekend

(KUTV) — Salt Lake City is on track to loosen coronavirus restrictions as soon as this weekend.

City council members discussed transitioning to the yellow or low risk phase during a meeting on Tuesday.

Mayor Erin Mendenhall said she's working with county and state leaders on the transition, but final approval depends on new health data that will be released this week.

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Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Grand County, Magna, Bluff and Mexican Hat are the only areas still in the "orange" moderate risk phase of the state's coronavirus recovery plan.

All businesses will be allowed to reopen and must take reasonable precautions. Employers are encouraged to make flexible work arrangements, follow hygiene guidelines and continue social distancing in the workplace, according to coronavirus.utah.gov.

Pools can reopen as long as people maintain social distancing, and leaders still advise residents to limit out-of-state travel.

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Churches are required to provide spacing between immediate households, alternate schedules for smaller gatherings and stream services whenever possible.

Gov. Gary Herbert reminded all Utahns on Tuesday that a key part of being in the yellow phase is protecting Utah's high-risk populations.

That includes staying away from gatherings with more than 50 people, keeping six-feet apart, wearing masks when you can't socially distance and frequently washing your hands.