Threat of virus causes widespread disruption of life in San Juan

The threat of the COVID-19 virus has disrupted the lives of San Juan County residents. Schools have been closed, events have been canceled, and the health care systems are on high alert.
Utah Governor Gary Herbert asked for the cancellation of any meetings or events involving groups larger than 100 people. Subsequently, the federal government asked that any gathering involving groups larger than ten people be cancelled.
Public health officials are hoping that “social distancing” and other changes will delay or minimize the arrival of the virus.
Officials for the San Juan Health Service District report that the phone “has been ringing off the hook” at their clinics with local residents concerned about virus symptoms.
They say they appreciate the calls and are telling people to stay home if they are mildly sick.
Local health care providers say their organizations are healthy and ready to meet the challenges that may come. Several health care entities are experiencing mild shortages of masks, gowns, and sanitizer.
Fears associated with the virus have triggered bulk buying at area grocery stores. Toilet paper, bread, bottled water, and a number of additional basic items have been in short supply.
However, grocery store owners report that supply trucks are running and adequate supplies will continue to be available.
There have been widespread cancellation of events of all shapes and sizes.
While national parks, monuments, and recreation areas remain open, the Monument Valley Tribal Park is closed to visitors.
The local lodging industry has been decimated by the events, with the cancellation of hundreds of motel rooms and properties.
Restaurants are still open for business, even as a large percentage of the business is through takeout services.
All events, performances, and practices in the San Juan School District have been cancelled, along with the Utah State University Campus in Blanding.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a number of other local churches canceled all church meetings.
In addition, the Monticello Temple will be “temporarily” closed for all but limited purposes, such as weddings.
The March 17 meeting of the San Juan County Commission was cancelled. The meeting was scheduled to take place in Mexican Water.
Commissioners did hold a brief meeting in Monticello on March 17 to canvas the results of the March 3 Super Tuesday Presidential Primary.
Specific events that are cancelled include:
• Southeastern Utah Sterling Scholar Competition on March 18.
Four States Ag Expo, scheduled for March 19-21 at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds near Cortez, CO.
• Monticello High School Junior Prom, scheduled for March 20.
• The Four States Job Fair and Business Expo, scheduled for March 26 at the USU Blanding Campus.
• March 30 performance of the Bar D Wranglers in Monticello, sponsored by Blue Mountain Entertainment.
• STEAM Expo on April 9, hosted by USU Blanding Campus.
• A Horsemanship Clinic on April 16-18, hosted by the USU Blanding Campus.