Split decision: Most of Salt Lake County to go COVID-yellow; SLC, West Valley stay orange

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Most of Salt Lake County will go “yellow” or low risk of COVID-19 starting Saturday, but Salt Lake City and West Valley City will stay in the “orange” or moderate risk category.

Governor Gary Herbert made the announcement on Thursday, and it’s not what county Mayor Jenny Wilson wanted.

“We would have appreciated one designation, and that is orange,” the mayor said. “Kids are affected by it; team sports are allowed.”

Wilson thinks those sports could lead to the spread of coronavirus, and she said she’s concerned about the prevalence of the illness among Utah's Latinx population.

As 2News has reported, the state said Latinos make up about 14% of Utah’s population, but account for roughly 37% of the state’s coronavirus cases.

Several days ago, Mayor Wilson and county health director Gary Edwards wrote a letter to the state requesting the orange classification continue for all of Salt Lake County until May 21, “to analyze trends and to be truly confident that stabilization of the spread of COVID-19 has occurred.”

The cities where orange stays support the continued designation.

“For now, staying orange made sense for West Valley City,” said Sam Johnson, West Valley spokesman.

“Salt Lake City zip codes 84116 and 84104 have continuously shown some of the highest COVID-19 numbers in the state,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall in a statement.

“Salt Lake County public health data for the capital city, as a whole, shows a consistent, though gradual, increase in positive cases.”

She said the city should see “at least 14 days of declining positive cases” before an orange to yellow downgrade.

In Sugar House, Chad Hopkins, owner of Hopkins Brewery, said he would “definitely” like to be operating in a less restrictive environment; but he’s not in a rush toward a new normal, despite wondering if his business will survive.

Hopkins has been offering take-out, and now patio dining, but not yet dine-in service.

“Seeing what other businesses and our guests are feeling right now, we’re taking it slow,” he said.

Yellow status means gatherings of up to 50 people are allowed — up from 20 at orange — plus limited visits to hospitals, but still no visits to nursing homes.

ORANGE TO YELLOW: What does it mean when Utah's guidance system of activity changes?