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Utah’s top legislative leaders oppose a statewide mandate that would require residents to wear face masks, even as cases and the number of deaths from COVID-19 continue to climb in the state.
Senate President Stuart Adams and House Speaker Brad Wilson announced their objection in separate statements Wednesday. Those came just hours after the state set a new daily coronavirus record and one day after the two sat down with Utah Gov. Gary Herbert to talk about a possible mask edict for public spaces.
“In Utah, we prefer to encourage people to do the right thing rather than issuing mandates and demanding compliance,” said Wilson, R-Kaysville.
Adams, R-Layton, added that he’s asking residents to “help out by wearing a mask voluntarily.”
It’s unclear how their views will affect the governor’s actions. A spokeswoman for Herbert’s office responded, saying only that the governor is expected to announce his decision Thursday morning.
The state saw 722 cases of the coronavirus reported Wednesday — a daily high — for a new total of 26,755. Health experts say that masks are one of the most effective ways to slow the spread. But some residents, including in Utah, see mask-wearing requirements as an infringement on their rights.
The Salt Lake Tribune will update this developing story.
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July 09, 2020 at 06:34AM
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