Originally posted on https://www.abc4.com/news/local-news/utah-ranks-no-1-for-state-pandemic-response-new-study/
April 12, 2022 —
(ABC4) – A study breaking down how states responded to the COVID-19 pandemic shows Utah ranking as number one out of all 50 states.
The National Bureau of Economic Research released its final COVID-19 report on how pandemic health, economy, and policy varied across the 50 states and Utah earned the top spot for its overall response to the pandemic.
For individual categories, Utah ranked fourth for economy and fifth for education.
Governor Spencer Cox issued a statement in response to Utah earning the accolade saying:
“Utah’s strong institutions, collaboration between the state, local health departments and hospitals, and timely and accurate information given by UDOH saved lives and kept schools open without destroying our economy. Utahns should be proud of this recognition.”
Researchers ultimately found that pandemic mortality was greater in states where obesity, diabetes, and old age were more prevalent before the pandemic.
Visit Salt Lake (VSL) is the private, nonprofit Destination Sales & Experience Organization (DSXO) dedicated to recruiting, retaining, and activating conventions, meetings, sporting events and leisure travel that fuels the region’s visitor economy. In partnership with Salt Lake County, hoteliers, members and public-sector stakeholders, VSL helps generate $6.15 billion in annual visitor spending, $575 million in direct tax revenue and $1,700 in household tax savings while supporting more than 56,000 jobs. By championing Salt Lake's authentic urban-meets-mountain identity, VSL creates transformative experiences that benefit the community and visitors alike. For more information, visit www.VisitSaltLake.com.