Logan City says it wants to follow USU’s example when it comes to mandating masks
Logan Mayor Holly Daines announced she would be asking Utah Gov. Gary Herbert for a city-wide mask mandate during a Logan municipal council meeting.
In an interview, Daines said the city’s policy would be similar to Utah State University’s policies, and that wearing a mask outdoors would only be required when social distancing is not possible.
“Our intent is to mirror Utah State’s policies, which are well thought out,” she said. “That would give consistency throughout the city. If you can social distance outdoors, you don’t need a mask. We recommend having one available in case it is needed.”
Medical exemptions granted to citizens will also be in line with USU’s exemptions.
Daines said citizens under the age of two will not be required to wear masks. She said any enforcement of wearing masks will be intended to be “educational by nature.”
Daines acknowledged that some citizens are opposed to the requested mandate.
“There are strong opinions on both sides of the issue,” she said. “A growing body of research confirms the usefulness of masks to prevent the spread of the virus. We will await the governor’s decision.”
In her letter to the governor, Daines cites the anticipated return to schools K-12 and USU this fall as the reason for requesting the mandate.
“With the return of 20,000 USU students for fall semester, many from other cities and states, it makes sense to have them continue the practice of wearing masks off-campus in our community, and to have our citizens do the same for the protection of all,” the letter reads. “Although our virus case counts are reasonable at this time, we want to be proactive in keeping that under control.”
Jeannie Simmonds, a Logan council member, was present when Daines made her announcement and said she supports the mayor’s request.
“In these unprecedented times, and as long as we are not certain which behaviors transmit the virus 100 percent of the time, it does not seem onerous to ask that people take the simple precaution of wearing a mask when in a place of business,” Simmonds said. “This is personal safety and community safety.”
Simmonds compared wearing masks to other enforcement in society.
“It is common practice to adhere to the health department mandate of wearing shoes and shirts when going into a place of business, both for the person’s personal safety and the safety of others,” she said.
She added that you could compare it to commonplace rules in society like wearing seatbelts.
Simmonds said she looks forward to a time when masks won’t be necessary and hopes it will happen before the school year ends, but wants safety for students in the meantime.
“We welcome a return to school for our children in a safe manner, which, at this time includes face coverings,” she said. “We as a city welcome the return of USU students and want them to stay well and to help the community stay well as well. Students will be required to wear masks on campus and it seems appropriate to extend that to Logan’s places of business.”
Simmonds also hopes for a community effort with the mandate.
“We are struggling with the concepts of personal safety and the need for us to return to an economic normal,” she said. “I would hope that everyone is interested in both of these needs and wants to do all they can to minimize the risks of exposure while enjoying a vibrant economy. Every person who gets sick cannot work, cannot pay their bills, and can infect others. That is bad for both sides of our challenge.”
Council member Mark Anderson said people should wear masks out of respect.
“Whether I agree with the efficacy of masks or not, the governor, the health department, many leaders of religious groups, and our mayor have asked us to wear a mask for the safety of others when social distancing is not possible, so I will wear a mask,” Anderson said. “Everyone else should consider whether they are supportive of their leaders or not when making that decision for themselves.”
Anderson said the mandate is not to be viewed as a law, but to put weight behind the “highly recommended” stance the city has opted for.
“No one is going to force anyone to do anything they do not want to do,” he said. “Out of respect for our leaders, wearing a mask for the time being, is a small price to pay for the potential benefit of limiting the spread of COVID-19.”
Gov. Herbert has not yet responded to the mayor’s request.