UPDATE: Vail will close North American resorts starting Sunday March 15 through Sunday March 22.
On Friday evening, in a news release titled "COVID-19 Update: Vail Resorts Takes Action to Encourage Social Distancing," the resort company announced its North American resorts would remain open, and they were taking the following steps to slow the spread of COVID-19:
-Resorts will not serve hot food, but will have pre-packaged food available.
-Skiers will be asked to ride the chairlift with members of their party only.
-Signage will be posted with social distancing reminders.
The resort also said it will continue to follow the most updated guidance from health officials and "the health and wellbeing of our guests, employees and communities where we live, work and play is of utmost importance."
Saturday morning Summit County Health Department confirmed a new case of COVID-19. A male between the age of 18 and 60 who is an employee at the Spur Bar & Grill tested positive for the disease. Summit County Health Department Executive Director Rich Bullough said the employee did not have extended contact with customers, he has mild symptoms and is recovering at home. Bullough also added that the employer was cooperating fully with health officials and willingly closed the establishment last night for cleaning.
There are four other cases of COVID-19 in the county. All four patients are men younger than 60 and had mild symptoms. One was a Summit County resident who had recently travelled to Europe. The other three were out-of-state visitors who did not travel together.
On Friday, Utah Governor Gary Herbert ordered all K-12 schools in the state to be closed for two weeks starting Monday. The Governor also encouraged public gatherings be limited to less than 100 people, and anyone over age 60 should avoid groups of more than 20 people. Several public and private organizations have cancelled events in an attempt to contain the spread of the COVID-19.
Click here to see the Vail's announcement about COVID-19 precautions.
