Utah’s mask mandate has ended-here’s what that means
As of 12 a.m. on Saturday, the state of Utah has lifted it’s mask mandate. However, a partial mandate has now gone into effect, according to House Bill 249.
The new bill provides for the termination of emergency powers and some public health orders. The orders are only to be suspended, however, “upon reaching certain thresholds of positivity rates, vaccination, and other criteria.”
During Utah State University President Noelle Cockett’s “State of the University” speech, she indicated that USU would continue to require masks through the spring semester.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox is currently allowing businesses and institutions to decide for themselves whether they think it’s necessary to require masks.
“We [USU] believe it’s necessary,” Cockett said.
According to a Public Health Order from the Utah Department of Health, new provisions will be in place until July 15.
These new guidelines include continuing to require masks at all organized events regardless of county transmission level. An organized event is 50 people or more who cannot socially distance. Public events and businesses will also be required to post signs listing COVID symptoms, along with notices about masks and social distancing requirements.
Early Saturday morning, Cox took to Twitter to explain Utah’s mask requirements going forward.
In addition to mandating masks at gatherings of 50 or more, masks are still required in K-12 schools. According to Cox, this is because vaccines have not been authorized for children yet, and not all adults at schools have been vaccinated.
Counties are now able to issue their own mask requirements. Businesses can determine their own mask requirements as well, although, “Many private businesses will require customers and employees to continue wearing masks,” Cox says.
The governor also urged everyone to be patient with each other and called for Utahns to treat each other with respect.
“We’re not out of the pandemic yet. And we know that masks work to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Bottom line: We encourage everyone to keep wearing masks whenever you can’t physically distance,” he said.
taylorcripe@gmail.com