As if there wasn’t already enough going on in Utah with 41 confirmed cases of coronavirus, a 5.7 magnitude earthquake made landfall this morning. Salt Lake City felt the effects of this earthquake the hardest.
The earthquake caused power outages for more than 35,000 people but there have been no reports of injuries yet. It even caused many buildings to crumble and rubble to continue to fall. It was the state’s largest earthquake since 1992.
The Earthquake Closed Down Coronavirus Health Labs
This earthquake is particularly concerning because it caused the closure of Utah’s public health lab. During this world pandemic, it is extremely important for buildings like this to remain open.
Recently, public health labs have been the source of coronavirus testing as well as extensive research on vaccines that could possibly help hinder the spread of such viruses. They help train health professionals on how to handle pandemics like these and are an imperative part of prevention and cures. There is no telling when the lab will be re-opened so people can get back to work.
People Are Concerned That More Earthquakes Are On The Horizon
While authorities and crews are working hard to restore power and clear the damage caused by the earthquake, a rumor was started that an even bigger earthquake is on the horizon. This prompted the University of Utah Seismograph Stations to put out the following statement:
Earthquakes cannot be predicted and are naturally occurring. There is no way to tell if the aftershocks of this one will cause another larger earthquake. With all of the quarantines and chaos of the coronavirus going on in the world, this is certainly an added fear that has been put into the minds of people in Utah.
People in Utah have been advised to stay calm and stand under a doorway if another earthquake or aftershock does end up occurring. They are also being advised to stay away from the downtown area where the most damage occurred.
Words by:
Samantha Agate Samantha Agate is the Talent Guru here at Talent Recap. Her work has been featured at The Blast. Samantha graduated from Hunter College in 2019 with a degree in Media Studies and a Concentration in Journalism. When she isn't binge-watching reality television shows or binge-eating fried food, she loves hanging out with her friends and family and petting puppies.
