Beginning Monday, March 23, KSL NewsRadio will be hosting a live coronavirus call-in with specialists and experts that will answer your questions about COVID-19 live on-air.
Every day from 12:20 – 1 p.m. Jeff Caplan will be joined by a member of the Utah Coronavirus Task Force and other experts who will be available to answer your questions.
How to ask your question
Questions will be answered on a first-come-first-served basis beginning at 12:20. The number to call is 801-575-8255.
Tune to KSL NewsRadio via app, website or radio at 102.7 FM and 1160 AM for the latest.
If you have questions after listening to the podcast… leave us a voicemail at 801-237-2482
Coronavirus Q&A – May 29, 2020
Dr. Angela Dunn, state epidemiologist and Nate McDonald, with the Utah Coronavirus Task Force discuss the action the state has taken against the coronavirus and what they’ve learned moving forward.
Some of the questions asked:
What would Dr. Dunn change to the state’s approach to the pandemic?
Is Utah opening too quickly?
What are Dr. Dunn’s feelings on masks?
Who will receive a COVID-19 vaccine first?
Coronavirus Q&A – May 28, 2020
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert and Nate McDonald, from the Utah Coronavirus Task Force, discuss the plan for re-opening K-12 schools and other safety measures
What needs to be done to ensure the return to school is done safely?
Will the state step in to shutdown that rogue Collin Raye concert?
How long until we move to green? How different is green from yellow?
Is the economy better now that some businesses have opened up?
Coronavirus Q&A – May 27, 2020
Kevin Burt, Unemployment Insurance Division Director for the Dept. of Workforce Services and Nate McDonald, part of the Utah Coronavirus Task Force talk all things unemployment.
Some of the questions answered:
Is Utah unemployment going down as the state begins to re-open?
How many people are applying for benefits every week?
Does Utah plan to extend benefits until the state is totally in the green?
Will people have to end their unemployment benefits if the business is open but still receiving fewer hours?
Coronavirus Q&A – May 26, 2020
Dr. Jeremy Voros, ER Physician at St. Mark’s Hospital and Heather Barnum, part of the Utah Coronavirus Task Force join the program to provide updated data and research on the novel coronavirus.
Some of the questions answered:
What’s the benefit of wearing a mask in public?
When do health experts expect a second wave and what do they expect it to look like?
How is testing going in Utah?
Coronavirus Q&A – May 21, 2020
Dr. Ralph Costanzo, Chief Medical Officer of St. Mark’s Hospital, and Heather Barnum, part of the Utah Coronavirus Task Force, answer questions about plasma and playgrounds.
Coronavirus Q&A – May 20, 2020
Nels Holmgren, the state’s director of aging and adult services and Nate McDonald, part of the Utah Coronavirus Task Force, join the program to answer questions about nursing homes and elderly residents during the pandemic.
Some of the questions asked:
Nursing homes are being hit particularly hard. What’s the state’s plan to help people in nursing homes?
How is the state hoping to protect aging and vulnerable people outside of nursing homes, too?
What should I do if a family member lives in a nursing home?
When will we be allowed to visit family in nursing homes?
Coronavirus Q&A – May 19, 2020
Dr. Dustin Monroe, Medical Director for MountainStar Children’s Services Heather Barnum, part of the Utah Coronavirus Task Force, answer questions regarding children and coronavirus.
Some of the questions answered:
That child illness related to COVID-19…do we know more about it now? Have we had more cases in Utah?
What should parents watch for in their children?
How has COVID-19 changed how children are cared for–like child cancer patients?
Are parents allowed to visit their children in hospitals?
Coronavirus Q&A – May 18, 2020
Dr. Emily Spivak, infectious disease specialist with the University of Utah Health, and Nate McDonald, part of the communications team of the Utah Coronavirus Task Force, answer listener questions about a possible vaccine and COVID-19 treatment.
Some of the questions answered:
How is the transition to “yellow” affecting case counts?
Where are we at with developing a COVID-19 vaccine?
How long will a vaccine take and who will it be available to?
What’s known to help alleviate coronavirus symptoms?
Coronavirus Q&A – May 15, 2020
KSL Newsradio host Debbie Dujanovic hosts and is joined by Jordan Mathis, a health officer with the Tri-County Health Department. And in the studio with Debbie to answer questions is Nate McDonald, a member of the Utah State Coronavirus Task Force.
Portions of Utah move from “orange” to “yellow” on Saturday. What does it mean for you and your county? For your kids and the rec centers? How about restaurants?
Coronavirus Q&A – May 14, 2020
KSL Newsradio host Debbie Dujanovic is joined by Dr. Eddie Stenehjem, Intermountain Healthcare Infectious Diseases Physician, and Nate McDonald, part of the Utah Coronavirus Task Force.
Topics addressed include: As swimming pools begin to open, what does social distancing look like there?
How do we accomplish herd immunity?
What is the COVID-19 related syndrome in children? Have we seen it in Utah? Do we know anything else about it?
Coronavirus Q&A – May 13, 2020
KSL Newsradio host Debbie Dujanovic hosts the program and is joined Nathan Schwebach, communications director for the Department of Natural Resources, and Heather Barnum, a member of Utah’s coronavirus task force. They answer questions about hotspots, traveling, and national parks.
Some of the questions answered:
What parks are open for Memorial Day weekend?
What extra precautions can residents take to stay safe in the outdoors?
How will the state monitor public bathrooms?
What healthcare options does someone have if they’ve lost their insurance due to the pandemic?
Coronavirus Q&A – May 12, 2020
Debbie Dujanovic fills in for Jeff Caplan and is joined by Dr. Angela Dunn, the state epidemiologist with the Utah Department of Health, and Nate McDonald, member of the communications team for the Utah Coronavirus Task Force. State officials address concerns of a possible second wave.
Some of the questions answered:
It’s been over 10 days since we moved to “orange.” Is there any indication in the data that we moved too quickly to re-open?
What’s being done to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our nursing homes?
How soon will it be until the state moves to the “yellow” phase?
Does Dr. Dunn support the move? When would we be ready in her eyes?
Coronavirus Q&A – May 11, 2020
Dr. Todd Vento, Intermountain Healthcare Infectious Diseases Physician Heather Barnum, part of the communications team for the Utah Coronavirus Task Force join the program to answer your COVID-19 questions.
Many of the hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Utah are diabetic?
What other pre-existing conditions make COVID-19 worse for patients?
How soon do we move to “yellow?”
Where is the mask I ordered?
Coronavirus Q&A – May 8, 2020
When will Utah transition from the “orange” to the “yellow” phase? Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox and Nate McDonald, part of the communications team for the Utah Coronavirus Task Force, answer listeners’ questions regarding what the transition will look like.
Some of the questions answered:
Is the governor hinting at moving to the “yellow” phase soon?
What requirements does Utah need to meet to move to the yellow?
Should evictions be on hold even longer?
What’s the threshold of these phases? How quickly can Utah digress back to “orange” or “red?”
Coronavirus Q&A – May 7, 2020
David Leavitt, Utah County Attorney, Tanner Ainge, Utah County Commissioner, and Heather Barnum, part of the communications team for the Utah Coronavirus Task Force, join the program to answer questions about how businesses are moving forward now that some are allowed to open.
Some of the questions answered:
How is Utah County dealing with the two businesses that allowed employees who tested positive for COVID-19 to work?
Should the state release the name of businesses?
Why isn’t Utah County releasing the name of the businesses?
What regulations and protections are in place for different businesses?
Coronavirus Q&A – May 6, 2020
Dr. Emily Spivak, an infectious disease specialist with the University of Utah Health, and Nate McDonald, a member of the communications team on the Utah Coronavirus Task Force, join Jeff Caplan to discuss the race for antibody testing.
Some of the questions answered:
What will antibody testing tell us?
Will antibody testing help society get back to normal?
What is the vaccine trial process like?
Why does it take so long to come up with a vaccine and testing methods?
Coronavirus Q&A – May 5, 2020
Jess Anderson, Utah’s Commissioner of Public Safety and Heather Barnum, with the communications team for the Utah Coronavirus Task Force answer questions about staying safe as the state begins to lift restrictions.
Some of the questions answered:
How has the Dept. of Public Safety been handling the response to a pandemic?
Are you preparing for a “mini-wave” of COVID-19?
Are you finding that you are bidding against other states to get PPE for Utahns?
An employer is having a hard time finding gloves for his employees, can the state help?
Coronavirus Q&A – May 4, 2020
Dr. Kashif Memon, an Infectious Disease Physician for Steward Healthcare, and Nate McDonald, part of the communications team for the Utah Coronavirus Task Force answer virus-related questions regarding infection and masks.
Some of the questions answered:
Don’t these viruses morph into something less virulent, when they do evolve?
What percentage of the people who’ve been hospitalized have the known risk factors?
Has COVID-19 spread from pets to humans?
Why can’t Gov Herbert ORDER people wear masks in public?
Coronavirus Q&A – May 1, 2020
Dr. Mark Bair, Emergency Medicine Physician and Member of the Utah Medical Association and Nate McDonald, part of the communications team for the Utah Coronavirus Task Force, join host Jeff Caplan in taking listener questions about COVID-19 coronavirus.
Some of the questions answered:
Do you think we can safely reopen the state today?
Is it okay to go back to work if you’ve recovered from COVID-19?
Has there been any research into whether an event like the Sundance Film Festival may have impacted the spread of COVID-19 in Utah?
Is the transmission rate of COVID-19 less between younger people? How about from younger people to older people?
Coronavirus Q&A – April 30, 2020
Weekly unemployment numbers have been released and another 12,000 Utahns filed for unemployment within the last week. Kevin Burt, Director of Utah’s unemployment program and Heather Barnum with Utah’s Coronavirus Task Force join Jeff Caplan to answer your coronavirus questions.
Some of the questions answered:
How is the state keeping up with unemployment filings?
What is the unemployment process like?
When will libraries open back up?
What are the requirements regarding a PPP loan?
Coronavirus Q&A – April 29, 2020
Dr. Matthew Wilson, President of the Utah Medical Association and specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology, as well as Nate McDonald, member of the communication team for the Utah Coronavirus Task Force, answer questions about those who are pregnant and financial assistance during the pandemic.
Some of the questions answered:
Is a pregnant woman at a particularly high risk of contracting COVID-19?
Can COVID-19 be passed from a nursing mother to her child through breast milk?
Does voluntary time off allow an employee to qualify for unemployment?
Are gynecologists asking patients to hold off on more routine appointments like annual appointments and mammograms?
Coronavirus Q&A – April 28, 2020
Dr. Jeremy Voros, an Emergency Room Physician at St. Mark’s Hospital and Heather Barnum, part of the communications team for the Utah Coronavirus Task Force, answers questions about how healthcare workers are holding up and coronavirus research.
Some of the questions answered:
Is the anxiety level, felt by healthcare workers, less these days?
If a patient with COVID-19 has to be intubated, how long is their stay?
How does a doctor react when they see on social media that COVID-19 is the same as the flu?
Where can the general public go to have an anti-body test, and what is the cost associated with that?
Coronavirus Q&A – April 27, 2020
When will health experts develop a treatment or vaccine for COVID-19? Dr. Eddie Stenehjem, Intermountain Infectious Disease Physician is on board to answer questions as is Nate McDonald, part of the communications team for the Utah Coronavirus Task Force.
Some of the questions answered:
Are there any treatments available so far that appear to lessen the symptoms of COVID-19 coronavirus?
What does “recovered” mean now?
What does the state of Utah have planned for a possible second or even third wave?
Will there be an investigation into Utah’s purchase of hydroxychloroquine?
Coronavirus Q&A – April 24, 2020
A large concern surrounding the pandemic is the limited number of medical professionals on the frontlines. Many hospitals do not have enough staff to support a surge in COVID-19 patients. Jen Wagenaar, Chief Nursing Executive for MountainStar Healthcare and Heather Barnum, part of the communications team for the Utah Coronavirus Task Force join the program to answer questions related to medical staffing and community spread.
Some of the questions answered:
What are the current parameters for being tested right now?
What a nurse’s day look like over the past few weeks? How is it different than it was before?
When will we know, with 100% accuracy, how this virus is spread?
How is your supply for protective equipment?
Coronavirus Q&A – April 23, 2020
Kevin Burt, Unemployment Insurance Division Director for the Utah Department of Workforce Services, and Heather Barnum with the communications team for the Utah Coronavirus Task Force join the program to discuss unemployment and the economy.
Some of the questions answered:
How many people have lost their jobs in the state of Utah since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Are people who’ve filed for unemployment, and haven’t heard much back, just supposed to sit on their hands and wait?
What does a person do if they haven’t heard back from Dept. of Workforce Services for 30 days?
How is the state’s “Healthy Together” beta app, how has it been received?
Coronavirus Q&A – April 22, 2020
How exactly are health professionals and the state treating COVID-19? Dr. Michael Good, CEO of the University of Utah Health and Nate McDonald, part of the communications team for the Utah Coronavirus task force, answer questions related to COVID-19 treatment and prevention.
Some of the questions answered:
What is the state task force’s position on stockpiling an anti-malaria drug?
Why hasn’t there been a vaccine created for COVID-19?
Is U of U Health making plans for a second wave?
Could the anti-malaria drug be used in senior centers as a way to prevent the spread?
Coronavirus Q&A – April 20, 2020
Dr. Andrew Pavia, Division Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, the University of Utah Health at Primary Children’s Hospital, and Nate McDonald with the Utah State Coronavirus Task Force, answer your COVID-19 related questions.
If I have antibodies to COVID-19, am I immune and free from quarantine?
How many variations of the test for COVID-19 are out there? (
Can an airborne virus remain on my shoes?
What do state officials have to say about the weekend protest at the SLC city and county building?
Coronavirus Q&A – April 16, 2020
Lt. Governor Spencer Cox and Nate McDonald, of the Utah Coronavirus Tax Force address questions from listeners about how the state government is handling the pandemic and when the state will begin to adapt back to everyday life.
Some of the questions answered:
How can we possibly reopen and not have another outbreak?
State prisoners were released recently with no supplies and no information about safe distancing. Can you describe the release and notification protocol?
When can health care workers who are considered ancillary (those who help with non-emergency services, for example) get back to work?
Are there any hospitals in Salt Lake City that are experimenting with or using convalescent plasma therapy for critical care?
Coronavirus Q&A – April 15, 2020
Since the pandemic, Utahns have been concerned about the economy in a plethora of different ways. Derek Miller, President, and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce as well as Heather Barnam, with the Utah State Coronavirus Task Force, address questions related to the economic impact of coronavirus.
Some of the questions answered:
Are Utah businesses getting the help they need from the Small Business Administration and the Payment Protection Program?
How are essential workers, then, protected through the CARES Act?
If you see that a business is not being safe, or if you are an employee of such a business, what should you do?
I was told that I do not qualify for PPP. How else can I get help?
Coronavirus Q&A – April 14, 2020
Dr. Jeremy Voros, an ER Physician at St. Mark’s Hospital, and Nate McDonald, who is part of the communications team for the Utah Coronavirus Task Force, join Jeff Caplan to answer your COVID-19 questions.
Some of the questions answered:
What’s it like in the emergency room?
What do you say to people who feel they want to go to the ER, but fear they could get COVID-19 if they do?
If a person vapes, can the water vaper spread COVID-19?
If a person has a terminal illness, but contracts COVID-19, why is it ruled as dying from COVID-19 and not the terminal illness?
Coronavirus Q&A – April 13, 2020
Mental well-being is taking a hit during the pandemic. Mental health expert Morissa Henn, Community Health Director for Intermountain, and Heather Barnum with the Utah Coronavirus Task Force, answer questions about stabilizing mental health and unemployment.
Some of the questions answered:
What is the biggest mental health struggle people are facing during this time?
How can Utah help those in severe anguish?
What conversations are taking place, if any, about re-opening the state?
How is coronavirus affecting the mental health of children?
Coronavirus Q&A – April 10, 2020
Dr. Donna Milavetz, MD, MPH, FACP. Senior Vice President, Utah & Arizona Markets, of Steward Medical Group and Heather Barnam from the Utah Coronavirus Task Force answer logistical questions about the spread of the virus.
Some of the questions answered:
When will we know the peak of the outbreak?
How does COVID-19 care change for individuals with compromised immunity or a DNR?
Are we worried about the virus spreading at grocery stores?
Coronavirus Q&A – April 9, 2020
Dr. Mike Baumann, Chief Medical Officer for MountainStar Healthcare and Nate McDonald, from the Utah State Coronavirus Task Force, answer questions about how the virus spreads and how the state is holding up during the pandemic.
Some of the questions answered:
About 70,000 Utahns have filed for unemployment benefits since this pandemic began. How is the state’s jobless claims system holding up?
Is there an inoculation period, after someone is exposed to the virus, in which they are not contagious?
I play sports. If playing with a shared ball, do they have the possibility of transferring the virus?
Is it safe to do outdoor lawn care type of work, especially for someone in a high-risk group?
Coronavirus Q&A – April 8, 2020
There’s a little confusion surrounding what Utahns can and cannot do during the ‘Stay Home, Save Lifes’ recommendation. Governor Gary Herbert clears up some questions regarding what the state is enforcing.
Some of the questions answered:
Are campgrounds open?
Is the state of Utah going to waive the 1-week waiting requirement to qualify for unemployment?
Is Utah going to suspend the car registration process?
People seem not to be abiding by the stay at home order, why haven’t you shut the state down?
How are we going to balance the state budget?
Coronavirus Q&A – April 7, 2020
People still have lots of questions about access to testing. Dr. Micheal Good, CEO of the University of Utah Health and Heather Barnum with the Coronavirus Task Force answer your medical and business questions.
Some of the questions answered:
When will we get back to daily life?
When will we have an anti-bodies test?
When can everyone who wants a COVID-19 test have access to them?
Coronavirus Q&A – April 6, 2020
Many people are curious about when they should consult a doctor if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Dr. Todd Vento, an infectious diseases specialist with Intermountain Healthcare, and Nate McDonald, part of the communications team with the Utah Coronavirus Task Force, join Jeff Caplan to answer your questions.
Some of the questions answered:
How do telehealth exams work? What can doctors cover over a screen?
How can I tell if I’ve already had COVID-19?
When you pick up take-out food, what things do we need to be aware of when we’re picking up the food?
How are patients who rely on Plaquenil (for Lupus) suppose to manage the day when there’s a shortage of medication?
Coronavirus Q&A – April 3, 2020
Dr. Kashif Memon, Infectious Disease Physician for Steward Health Care and Heather Barnum from the Utah State Coronavirus Task Force joins Jeff Caplan to answer questions related to medical research pertaining to the virus.
Some of the questions asked:
Do countries that have mandatory tuberculosis vaccinations have a lower death rate from COVID-19?
Will everyone wearing masks in public help stop the spread of the virus?
Does ibuprofen make the symptoms of COVID 19 worse?
Coronavirus Q&A – April 2, 2020
Dr. Jeremy Voros, an ER physician from St. Mark’s hospital, as well as Nate McDonald from the Utah Coronavirus Task Force, joins Jeff Caplan to answer a plethora of questions related to COVID-19.
Some of the questions answered:
If I’m hurt can I still go to the emergency room?
How does one file for unemployment?
Regarding social distancing, what’s the best way to deal with a child that moves between two sets of parents?
How does unemployment work if you have more than one job, but only lost one of them?
Coronavirus Q&A – April 1, 2020
Since state officials began taking precautions against the pandemic, everyday life began to change. Policies and restrictions have been put in place and Uthans are curious when the waters will settle. Head of the coronavirus task force, Lieutenant Governor Spencer Cox and Heather Barnam, member of the coronavirus task force communications team, answer what Utah is doing to fight the pandemic and how Utahns should adapt to present times.
Some of the questions asked:
How will Utah treat the virus after the peak?
What exactly is a “stay at home” order?
Do essential workers need to be tested?
Does Utah still have a testing shortage?
Coronavirus Q&A – March 31, 2020
Dr. Andrew Pavia, Division Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Primary Children’s Hospital and Nate McDonald, part of the communications team for the Utah Coronavirus Task Force, join Jeff Caplan to answer your questions about how the state is working to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Some of the questions asked and answered:
What happens to renters who don’t pay?
A co-worker tested positive for coronavirus, should I self-quartine?
What products can I use to clean my home and how do I know if it’s working?
Can you get coronavirus and the flu at the same time?
Coronavirus Q&A – March 30, 2020
Dr. Brandon Webb, an infectious disease specialist with Intermountain Health Care, and Heather Barnam with the Utah Coronavirus Task Force are here to answer your questions.
Some questions answered:
Why are daycares still open?
What happens when someone tests negative?
Can mothers still nurse if they test positive for COVID-19?
What is the risk with drive-thrus and take out?
Coronavirus Q&A – March 27, 2020
One of the biggest concerns state and health officials have about the coronavirus is overwhelming the healthcare system. Dr. Mark Ott, Surgeon and Medical Director of Intermountain Health Care and Nate McDonald, member of the Coronavirus Task Force in Utah joins Jeff Caplan to answer how hospitals are handling the pandemic.
Some of the questions asked:
Does Utah have enough ventilators?
Are Utah hospitals equipped to deal with the outbreak?
Is there a shortage of protective equipment for healthcare workers?
What is the best mask to use if someone has an immunocompromised family member?
Coronavirus Q&A – March 26, 2020
The Utah Department of Workforce Services is seeing a huge uptick of unemployment filings. Utahns are worrying about if their business will survive COVID-19. Derek Miller, Salt Lake Chamber President and Nate McDonald with the Utah Coronavirus Task Force join Jeff Caplan to answer employment and business-oriented questions.
Some of the questions answered:
How is Utah handling the influx of people applying for unemployment?
Does the government have the authority to tell a healthy person to stay home?
How will COVID-19 harm small business growth?
Should Utahns expect a statewide shelter in place?
Am I better off closing shop and laying off my employees?
Coronavirus Q&A – March 25, 2020
Utah public schools are out until at least May, 1st. Parents are adapting to home-schooling their kids. Sydnee Dickson, Utah State Superintendent of Public Instruction, answers your questions about how COVID-19 is affecting schools. Heather Barnum from the Utah Coronavirus Task Force also joins to answer coronavirus related questions.
Some of the questions addressed:
How are parents supposed to take the place of educators?
How will the pandemic affect the rest of the school year and beyond?
What educational resources are available to help teach my child?
Should Utah expect a shelter-in-place order?
Coronavirus Q&A – March 24, 2020
Dr. Michael Good, CEO of the University of Utah Health, and Heather Barnum from the Utah Coronavirus Task Force join Jeff Caplan to answer your health questions and to clear up some myths about COVID-19.
Some of the questions answered:
When are restaurants and businesses going to be up and running again?
What happens to the virus when people go back to work?
How does COVID-19 affect smokers and vapers?
What treatment is there for coronavirus?
Coronavirus Q&A – March 23, 2020
State Epidemiologist Dr. Angela Dunn and Nate McDonald who is a part of the Communications Department at the Utah Coronavirus Task Force join Jeff Caplan to answer your questions about the coronavirus and how it is affecting Utah.
Some of the questions answered are:
Are we flattening the curve?
Do we have enough test kits?
What is the state to do to help people not lose their homes?
How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus
COVID-19 coronavirus is transmitted from person to person. It is a virus that is similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
Don’t touch your face.
Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet)
If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities.)