BYU’s Mark Pope Gives Important Reminders During Coronavirus Pandemic

Editor’s Note: After this article was published, @BYUbasketball deleted the original video.

PROVO, Utah – The battle against the novel Coronavirus rages on unfortunately into the month of April. As we all continue to do our part to stay at home, we can always use a refresher on what we need to do in order to flatten the curve of this global pandemic.

BYU head basketball coach Mark Pope sent out a message via social media from the Marriott Center Annex this week emphasizing to the public to not take this pandemic lightly.

A message from @CoachMarkPope. pic.twitter.com/GO0tQ0YbHs

— BYU Basketball (@BYUbasketball) April 1, 2020

“This pandemic is serious. Please, take the time to wash your hands multiple times a day. Please take this social distancing really, really seriously and please follow all the direction and counsel that we’re getting from our leaders so that we can get through this pandemic safely, that we can take care of each other, and so we can get back to hoops as soon as possible,” said Pope.

College Basketball’s season was cut short due to the Coronavirus pandemic as the NCAA Tournament was canceled for the first time in its storied 81-year history.

Pope concluded his first season as BYU’s head basketball coach and he helped lead the Cougars to a 24-8 record and a Top-20 final ranking. The No. 18 ranking is the highest BYU has had since 2011.

Coronavirus Resources

• Have you or a family member been affected by coronavirus issues in Utah? KSL TV wants to hear from you. Contact KSL by emailing social@ksl.com.
• What is COVID-19? Here’s What You Need To Know To Stay Healthy
• What We Know And Don’t Know About The Coronavirus
• Four Common Coronavirus Questions Answered
• The latest coronavirus stories from KSL TV can be found at our Staying Safe: Coronavirus section.
• Your Life Your Health: How can parents prepare their home, children against coronavirus?

How Do I Prevent It?

The CDC has some simple recommendations, most of which are the same for preventing other respiratory illnesses or the flu:

• Avoid close contact with people who may be sick
• Avoid touching your face
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

The CDC does not recommend wearing a face mask respirator to protect yourself from coronavirus unless a healthcare professional recommends it.

How To Get Help

If you’re worried you may have COVID-19, you can contact the Utah Coronavirus Information Line at 1-800-456-7707 to speak to trained healthcare professionals. You can also use telehealth services through your healthcare providers.

Additional Resources

If you see evidence of PRICE GOUGING, the Utah Attorney General’s Office wants you to report it. Common items in question include toilet paper, water, hand sanitizer, certain household cleaners, and even cold medicine and baby formula. Authorities are asking anyone who sees price gouging to report it to the Utah Division of Consumer Protection at 801-530-6601 or 800-721-7233. The division can also be reached by email at consumerprotection@utah.gov.

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12-3 pm) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.