Robert Gehrke

So far, 1 in 6 Utahns (17%) have received at least one dose. Of those over 18, 23.5% have had one shot. Nearly 10% fully vaccinated (either two doses or 1 J&J.) 77% of those 70-79, 76% of those 80+ and 39% of those 60-69 have had a shot. And 50-59 has climbed ot 20%. #utpol

One of the deaths was prior to Feb. 13. Indicators still going . Under 200 hospitalizations for the first time since early Oct. There are 77 cases in ICU, also lowest since Oct. 4. Referral ICUs 75.8% full. #utpol

Your Saturday COVID update: 570 new cases, 374,438 total 5 deaths*, 1,975 total 194 hospitalized 7,052 people tested, 8.1% pos.; 18,594 total tests, 3.1% pos. 7-day avg, 527 cases/day, 9.5%/4.6% positive 843,032 vaccines administered, up 26,098 #utpol

When I was up there today I was told they would be done by 7 tonight. And then I laughed and laughed and laughed. #utpol

One of the 5 deaths came prior to Feb. 12. That 7-day avg positivity is under 10%, lowest since Sept. 7. For total tests it’s lowest since May 14. That is a new one-day record for new vaccinations. Hospitalizations steady. 85 in ICU. Referral ICUs at 73.5% capacity. #utpol

Here’s the Friday COVID update: 549 new cases, 373,868 total 5 deaths*, 1,970 total 203 hospitalized 6,601 people tested, 8.4% pos.; 16,934 total tests, 3.3% pos. 7-day avg, 543 cases/day, 9.8%/4.6% positive 816,934 vaccines administered, up 31,411 (!!!!) #utpol

House debating a bill that would enable DABC to pay liquor store employees more. It passes 58-9 and goes to the governor. #utpol

Wow. The House just passed an asset forfeiture bill unanimously and without debate. Normally a very contentious topic but @gopTODD did a LOT of work in the interim on that bill. #utpol

After a call of the House it passes 39-35 and goes back to the Senate for concurrence (or not) on the amendment. #utpol

Brammer: We have an idea that the rules aren’t being enforced fairly. We’re saying notify users you have moderated their content. (Now he’s referring to James Madison, a noted internet expert.) Now we’ll vote … #utpol

Brammer: If there were concerns they should have discussed it with sponsor. They didn’t. This is about terms of use. We’re saying set the rules and play by the rules you set. If you don’t abide by the rules, the state will step in because that’s a contract. #utpol

Rep. Gwynn notes when public agencies put something on social media it’s a public record and shouldn’t be deleted. Social media is considered essential in public sphere. Back to Brammer. He says there’s not a constitutional note. “That’s not a thing.” #utpol

.@RepBrianKing: These are private forums that can moderate themselves as they see fit. “If we pass this bill the Utah State taxpayers are going to pay immediately large amount of moneys to defend the constitutionality of this bill.” Likely a losing battle. #utpol

Hawkes: “These aren’t truly private spaces” like your property. It uses a public resource — the Internet. Does anyone own it? No. When Facebook has a billion users, is that a private playground? If you’re hosting a public debate, a public forum, you need to be fair. #utpol

Now @RepAStoddard points out there is a constitutional note on this bill — meaning a high likelihood the state would get sued and lose. Stoddard says state would have to foot the bill for attorneys fees when social media groups sue. @timothyhawkes supports the bill. #utpol