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Millcreek Journal

What Millcreek is doing to combat the coronavirus

Mar 19, 2020 03:43PM ● By Kirk Bradford

By Kirk Bradford | [email protected]

Just last week, the streets of Milan and Venice were brought to silence when Italy's government implemented a quarantine for the next four weeks in northern Italy, putting 16 million people on lockdown.

While those roughly one in four Italians were adjusting to the lockdown, Millcreek Mayor Jeff Silvestrini was meeting with other local leaders, emergency response officials, as well as police and fire commanders, concerning Salt Lake County’s preparation for an expanded coronavirus outbreak.  

The city of Millcreek declared a state of emergency on Thursday, March 13. 

 “Due to circumstances concerning the possible exposure of elementary and junior high school students in Millcreek to the COVID-19 virus, I took the precautionary step yesterday of declaring a State of Emergency in the City of Millcreek,” Silvestrini told the Millcreek Journal. “This was done after consultation with members of the City Council and with the advice and consent of Salt Lake County Unified Command.”

The city's early declaration of a State of Emergency made it possible for Millcreek to be reimbursed from the federal government and state for those costs associated with addressing the epidemic and allows Millcreek’s government to remain open addressing the pandemic.

Although the city offices remain open, they are discouraging face-to-face contact, even when they provide paperwork. 

Information distributed by the city further advised residents on how to stay safe. 

“If you are ill with respiratory symptoms, don’t visit a hospital or clinic without calling first to receive instructions, or consider utilizing a telemedicine service. This will help to keep our health care providers and first responders healthy so they can continue to provide medical services throughout the crisis.”

The term “worried well” was coined by medical professionals to describe those who are worried and well but taking valuable time from medical facilities. The statement further read, “If you are healthy but have questions or concerns, DO NOT visit a healthcare facility. ‘Worried well’ individuals are flooding healthcare providers with COVID-19 concerns, and exhausting resources for those who are truly in need. Instead, call 1-800-456-7707 with your questions or concerns.”

All Millcreek public meeting events will be modified to a digital format. Silvestrini described the “cumbersome” process where residents can begin using a link on the Millcreek website for public meetings.

Following the meeting of all city mayors, Silvestrini said, “The county is coordinating with other agencies and religious institutions to inventory and manage emergency supplies. Coordination is also underway with hospitals and medical clinics to increase preparedness. Precautions are also being taken with aging service agencies to protect the most vulnerable adult population.  Emergency operations personnel plan for continuing to deliver services if a substantial portion of our government workforce becomes ill.”