Masks will be now be required in Provo.
During a special meeting Thursday night, the Provo City Council overrode the mayor’s veto of a citywide mask mandate. The vote was 6-1, with Travis Hoban the lone dissenter.
The council originally unanimously passed the mandate on Tuesday. Mayor Michelle Kaufusi vetoed the mandate Wednesday, saying she preferred continuing self-regulation and educational outreach.
Councilmember George Handley said he has never seen such a hotly debated the topic in the city. Many people opposed the mandate in the public comments posted alongside the virtual meeting on Facebook.
“I am pro mask but anti mandate,” wrote Twilla Ray Mann. “Please keep encouraging people to wear masks and do not pass a mandate.”
The mandate requires people to wear face masks in public spaces, public buildings and public events where social distancing is not possible. Any outdoor gathering with more than 25 people requires mask wearing if people can’t socially distance. It also requires face coverings at any indoor gathering of 50 people or more, regardless of whether social distancing is possible.
The mask ordinance allows exemptions for people with health complications, diners sitting down at a restaurant and for people who are exercising. Those caught violating the mask mandate are subject to a $55 fine. Organizers of large gatherings who fail to notify attendees about the mask requirement, or don’t enforce it, face a $500 penalty.
The law goes into effect immediately.
Handley said the council’s decision does not indicate a rift between it and Kaufusi.
“I know that the mayor and my fellow city councilmembers, we see things different and sometimes we agree and sometimes we disagree,” Handley said, “but we are honest people trying to do the right thing.”
Handley said the council will continue to listen to people’s comments and suggestions about the mandate.
from The Salt Lake Tribune https://ift.tt/2YIX4gp
August 28, 2020 at 06:20AM
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