What is
the difference between this and the flu?
COVID-19’s genetic makeup is different than seasonal
influenza, or the flu, and we currently do not have immunities, making this
more dangerous for those with already compromised immune systems. Preliminary
data suggests death rates from COVID-19 are higher than seasonal influenza.
Further, the Italian health department recently found that 99% of deaths in the
country occurred in those with underlying health conditions. However, even if
you are not a part of a high-risk group, it is important to get COVID-19 under
control now to protect family and friends throughout the country who are at a
higher risk.
What is
the effect of COVID-19 on people who smoke or use e-cigarettes?
Since this
is a respiratory disease, it is believed that smokers are more vulnerable to
the effects of COVID-19.
Do you
have any projections for how many people in Utah will be infected?
We don’t
have those projections for Utah, but we believe it will be a lower percentage
than many other states, including high-profile California—Utah started adopting
preventative measures before California and we have a younger population.
Social distancing is also a helpful tool to limit the number of people who are
sick at once and eventually flatten the curve.
Where
are the testing sites in Utah?
If you are experiencing symptoms, such as fever, cough,
or body aches and/or believe you have been exposed to someone confirmed to have
COVID-19, you should immediately contact your doctor or a health care provider
by phone call or a virtual visit. They will determine if you need to be tested
or not.
How
many cases in each county are there?
Daily updates can be found at coronavirus.utah.gov/case-counts/ and you can find additional resources here on my website at curtis.house.gov/coronavirus/.
What is
all of the federal spending going to do to the economy and to the deficit?
Congress
is attempting to support businesses and individuals who have been harmed by
government intervention, such as forced social distancing or mandatory closures
of industries. This period of reduced economic activity is temporary and
government assistance can help harmed businesses get through this difficult
period, where lost income or revenue is no fault of their own, but in fact
directly government caused to help reduce the impact of COVID-19. Federal
spending is undoubtedly required during this difficult and economically
uncertain time, but Congressional action must be taken once life returns to
normal to meaningfully reduce our federal debt.
What is
the government doing to protect small businesses?
Congress passed two
pieces of legislation aimed to protect workers and businesses across the
country. Part of the first major bill included permitting the Small Business
Administration to issue immediate Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2
million for eligible businesses. There are also additional measures currently
being considered to infuse billions of dollars into the small business sectors
across the country. This would include loans for Utah’s tourism industry, which
is hurting right now and needs some immediate relief.
Will
the House adopt any changes to voting procedures?
There are
currently no mechanisms to vote remotely in both chambers of Congress. However,
this might be an issue we need to consider. So much of what Congress
accomplishes takes place talking face-to-face so there has been hesitation to
implement remote voting in the past.
Will
the Utah National Guard be called?
According
to the Governor: “Currently, the National Guard is on call and would only help
in an absolute state of emergency, such as distributing supplies and getting
medical aid. I am working with the Department of Defense to ensure that they
remain under the command of the State and not the Pentagon. We have far more
flexibility if they are managed at the state level.”
Is
there a full closure for schools imminent?
Utah K-12
public schools closed through at least May 1. In addition to public schools,
many colleges and universities also moved classes online to ensure students,
professors and administrators are safe.
How
long will it take for life to return to normal?
Dr. Fauci,
a top infectious disease doctor within the federal government, and other
medical experts are hesitant to predict a timeline, but it is reasonable to
expect the number of cases to grow in the future. We anticipate there will be
loosened restrictions once cases start decreasing.