Salt Lake County is now under an order requiring that masks be worn when indoors or in large gatherings outdoors. The mandate, initially issued by Dr. Angela Dunn, executive director of the Salt Lake County Health Department, and then Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson, went into effect Jan. 8 and will expire on Feb. 7 if not renewed. The order requires people, regardless of vaccination status, to wear “well-fitting masks” in the stipulated situations.
“We recognize the sense of urgency in our community as hospitals are threatened,” Wilson said in issuing the mandate. “We need to utilize every tool available to slow the spread and high-quality masks worn indoors in public spaces are a proven measure. Our county is open; we are running business as usual. This is a temporary step that is necessary to get us through this next phase of COVID.”
Under the county mandate, people younger than 2 years old and people with medical conditions, impairments or disabilities that prevent the ability to wear a mask are exempt, according to the order. Anyone who works alone or works in a field where a mask would hamper work is also exempt. Those actively eating or drinking in bars and restaurants are also excluded.
The day following the issuance of the mandate the Salt Lake County Council announced it will not take a vote to overturn the mayor’s order.
“Instead of looking out for our fellow man, we have made this so incredibly political, divisive and uncivil. The ability to plan, discuss and work together no longer exists. Any one of these challenges, we, as an intelligent and creative society, could solve,” Councilwoman Laurie Stringham, chairwoman of the council, said in a news release. “But it has become clear that, if we are to solve problems without turning to government mandates, leadership will need to step up and be willing to work together. I am certain there were better ways we could get these higher-quality masks out into the hands of the people; however; this is the only tool currently available.”
Stringham said she will not call for a special session to consider the temporary health order. That means it will remain in place without a vote from the council.
The health department order urges people to use respirators, like KN95 masks, over cloth masks. But cloth masks are acceptable as a backup if they are unable to get a respirator. Dunn said that people should not use surgical N95s so those types can be saved for healthcare workers.
“We desperately need to use every tool available to ensure our hospitals can continue providing excellent health care through this surge,” she said in her statement. “We also need to ensure that our essential services have the staff necessary to operate — from law enforcement, to plow drivers, to schoolteachers. It is my obligation as health officer to take the action I believe has the best chance to prevent unnecessary suffering throughout our community.”
