Mike Leavitt weighs in on coronavirus

A former Utah governor who also served as Health and Human Services Secretary under President George W. Bush says some of the steps being taken to stop coronavirus may seem too strict to some. 

But Mike Leavitt says the restrictions and closures prompted by the COVID-19 outbreak are necessary to prevent the wider spread of the virus.

Leavitt says any steps taken during the early stages of a pandemic often seem alarmist, and he acknowledges that the outbreak will have a negative impact on the economy. 

But Leavitt says that by acting now, it may be possible to keep cases of COVID-19 from overwhelming the U.S. healthcare system over the next few months.

Leavitt says if people follow the guidelines set by the government and health professionals, the spread of the virus can be slowed.