Governor Herbert issues state-wide mask mandate

Governor Herbert says "We must do more and do it now!” as he pleads with Utahns to stop the spread of Covid-19

On Sunday, Nov 11, 2020 at 9:30p.m. Governor Gary Herbert addressed the state of Utah after sending out a reverse 911 alert to all citizens. He is concerned about the consisted spread of Covid-19 and that the hospitals are being strained by the rising numbers.The governor expressed that we can't afford to debate the issue any longer.“The number of infections in our state is growing at an alarming rate. Our hospitals in Utah are among the best in the world. But they cannot give the best care when hospitals are at capacity and medical professionals are exhausted and spread too thin, and that is what is happening now,” Herbert said.The order begins Monday and will last until Nov. 23. The mask mandate, however, will be extended until further notice, Herbert said.The mask mandate applies to everyone in public and business must comply or can be charged a large fine.Herbert said the new public health order comes after a week of “analysis and consideration” since he met with Dr. Robert R. Redfield, director of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and Dr. Deborah Birx, the coronavirus response coordinator for the White House Coronavirus Task Force, on Halloween. Officials said both leaders “stressed that requiring masks, limiting social gatherings and testing young populations are the most critical actions” needed to slow the spread of the coronavirus.“Masks do not negatively affect our economy and wearing them is the easiest way to slow the spread of the virus. Experts tell us that masks do not cause a shortage of oxygen to your brain or cause disease,” Herbert said Sunday evening.Governor Herbert expressed that he does respect individual freedom and that laws are put into place to protect all of us. Herbert says “That’s why we have traffic lights, speed limits and seat belts, and that’s why we now have a mask mandate,”"What I shared with you this evening is not a shutdown of our society or our economy. We are not closing any businesses,” Herbert said. “Utah is open for business. You can still shop, dine in or carry out, exercise, worship and recreate, and many other things.”Governor Herbert also recommended getting flu shots. Herbert also said, "Too many have died, lost jobs and feel isolated and alone." Herbert pleaded for us to find ways to help and recommends people who need emotional help to call 211.Herbert said, “We must do more and do it now!” and that civility and basic respect for others is our personal responsibility.The Governor says he has seen Utahns do remarkable things and overcome diversity and implores you to do everything in your power to stop this disease.Herbert explained that this crisis is no different than other disasters that we have come together for and we need to make the sacrifices needed to protect our health.Herbert ended his address with “May God bless us in this effort.”Utah’s new public health orders• Masks required for everyone in public, and within 6 feet of members of different households.• Businesses must enforce masks among employees, promote mask-wearing among patrons, and post signage about a mask mandate.• Casual social gatherings —which the state defines as those without oversight by an organization — limited to household-only.• All extracurricular activities on hold, including intramurals, athletics and club sports. Intercollegiate sporting events or practices and games associated with high school championships are excluded from the mandate.• Students who live on campus at any public and private higher education institution, or who attend at least one in-person class per week, must receive a weekly COVID-19 test."