HEALTH

Salt Lake County will NOT extend mask mandate, county officials say

UPDATED: APRIL 7, 2021 AT 12:05 PM

Salt Lake County Council Chairman Steve DeBry speaks at a news conference on April 7, 2021. Photo: KSL NewsRadio

BY BECKY BRUCE
News Director

SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake County will not extend its mask mandate, after the statewide mask mandate ends on April 10.

In a news conference Wednesday, county officials said the decision was made in consultation with local health officials.

Several members of the Salt Lake County Council spoke about the need for people to be kind to one another as the mask mandate comes to an end.

“We really, really need to focus on being kind to one another,” said councilwoman Laurie Stringham.

She says the time for heated rhetoric about masks is over. Instead, this should be a time for the community to come together and support local causes.

“As we bring this mask mandate to a close, here in Salt Lake County, I’m really anxious over a couple of things,” she explains. “This is really important, as we look at our businesses and our communities, that we start looking at ways to help our communities and our businesses recover.”

She adds that mask-related controversies have unfortunately overshadowed more important issues stemming from the pandemic.

“As we move out of survival mode it’s really, really important right now that we focus on the mental health of our youth, our neighbors and our elderly,” says Stringham.

County facilities will continue to enforce mask wearing on their premises, county officials said.

Private businesses may also still require the wearing of masks.

The county mayor, Jenny Wilson, did not appear at Wednesday’s news conference, which came a day after she called for people to continue to mask up.

How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronavirus spreads person to person, similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:

Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
Don’t touch your face.
Wear a mask to protect yourself and others per CDC recommendations.
Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet).
If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities).
Obtain a flu shot.
Seek out the COVID-19 vaccine.