Wear a mask at all times. Violating the order for K-12 students and teachers in Utah would be the same as violating any mandate, which could result in a Class B misdemeanor. Wear a Mask Wear a mask over your nose and mouth to help prevent getting and spreading COVID-19. As far as enforcement, both Herbert and Saunders said they dont expect that to be the place of local police departments. To learn more about ChatGPT and how we can inspire students, we sat down with BestReviews book expert, Ciera Pasturel. Cars lined up with people arriving for their appointment times to take a COVID-19 test at the TestUtah site at Dixie Tech in St. George, Utah, on Dec. 4, 2020. In addition to requiring a distance of at least 6 feet between each group or lone diners, the. Most national chains like Walmart, Target and Kroger, the parent company of Smiths, have said they are going by federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, which continue to advocate for face coverings when physical distancing is not possible. Where: Revere Health Campus, 2825 E. Mall Drive, St. George. Enter your email below to start! Because it is a joint resolution, Governor Spencer Cox has no signature or veto. We are better than this.". In the video below, Senate President Adams signs the resolution ending mask mandates. St. George Regional Hospital/Intermountain Healthcare: Where: 400 East Campus St. George Regional Hospital, 544 S. 400 East, St. George. I see people with masks all the time, their choice but I don't know anyplace that requires them. My son said, Im fully immune, but Im still going to wear my mask. My daughter, whos not vaccinated yet, said Im uncomfortable and didnt want to go back to school.. Let's all help keep our teachers teaching, our students learning, our hospitals operating, and our residents healthy," she said. St. George News has made every effort to ensure the information in this story is accurate at the time it was written. "I am dedicated to keeping our community open and our residents healthy. Where: Rocky Vista University Southern Utah Campus, 255 E. Center St. in Ivins. Individual cities and counties are facing their own decisions on whether to continue to mandate masks in their buildings. Im tired of social distancing. Proof of residency may be required, though a person does not have to reside in the county they are receiving the vaccine. On Friday, Springdale announced it will maintain a requirement of masks until the metric thresholds stated in the bill that ended the mask mandate are met. I really support and approve what theyre doing because somebody has to stick up for the American people and put an end to everything going on, if the numbers in our area went up and it was urgent and essential, Im sure people would cooperate, but unless its necessary I dont think we need to keep going back and forth with it, says Jacobs. ST. GEORGE, Utah (ABC4 News) After more than one week since schools have reopened in Washington County, the Liberty Action Coalition hosted an anti-mask mandate rally in front of the school district building Friday morning. The bill returns to the House because of amendments attached to the bill. Spencer Cox, under the business and 50-plus stipulation, has already said all state offices will continue to require masks. Where:Southwest Utah Public Health Department Beaver Office, 75 1175 North, Beaver. We invite you to check the resources below for up-to-date information and resources. One example is the neighboring state of Arizona that has seen its coronavirus infection rate go down by 75% since instituting a statewide mask mandate on July 23, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. ST. GEORGE, Utah (ABC4 News) On "No Mask Monday," the Washington County School District said students have a choice. Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? Southern Utah coronavirus count (as of Oct. 13, 2020, seven-day average in parentheses), Positive COVID-19 tests: 4,682 (56.1 new infections per day in seven days, rising), Current Utah seven-day average: 1,182 (rising), Southern Utah counties in high transmission level (masks required, gatherings to 10 or less): Garfield (18.1% positive tests, 472.4 per 100,000 case rate), Southern Utah counties in moderate transmission level (masks recommended, gatherings to 25 or less): Washington (12.6% positive tests, 327.9 per 100,000 case rate), Iron (8.3% positive tests, 153.5 per 100,000 case rate), Southern Utah counties in low transmission level (masks recommended, gatherings to 50 or less): Beaver (7.1% positive tests, 197.6 per 100,000 case rate), Kane (6.5% positive tests, 90.8 per 100,000 case rate). Chris Reed serves as an editor and reporter for St. George News, where has been honored with several awards from the Society of Professional Journalists for his work, including first-place accolades. Hes accurate in that superintendents have been talking to him about this for some time. This effectively makes masks required in all restaurants that have 10 or more people inside. The final heave ho surge of this awful nightmare weve been living in," she said. This includes those who have received both vaccine shots, as it is still not conclusive whether those vaccinated can still spread the virus or not. Face masks do notreduce oxygen intake, according to multiple health authorities, nor do they result in carbon dioxide poisoning, hypoxemia, or hypoxia. Check the resources below for up-to-date information and resources. A protester at the march, per The Spectrum, part of the USA TODAY Network, said during a closing prayer that "safety is not as important as our freedom and liberty.". Where: 1189 E. 700 Southin St. George and 3520 Pioneer Parkway in Santa Clara. According to the Utah Department of Health, the state average of new infections per day is at 402, the ICU utilization is at 66.1% and 1,068,003 Utahns have received at least one dose of the vaccine. However, as the situation and science surrounding the coronavirus continues to evolve, its possible that some data has changed. Southwest Utah Public Health Department Kanab office, Southwest Utah Public Health Department Panguitch office, Southwest Utah Public Health Department Beaver Office, 400 East Campus St. George Regional Hospital, Use vaccinefinder.org to find a location near you, To file complaint about non-compliance with mask mandate, Hospital sees some COVID capacity relief but warns about New Year's, return to school, Moms ask school district to disavow NSBA letter labeling outspoken parents 'domestic terrorists', COVID outbreak reported at Latter-day Saint missionary training center, Year in review: Southern Utahs most read and notable stories of 2021, Family struggles after mother dies 23 days after father in Christmas Eve crash just south of St. George, Groups scour 2022 Utah budget for funds to fight hunger. Those incur a seven-day state average lower than 191, statewide seven-day intensive care unit utilization at less than 15% and more than 1,633,000 initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccine given in the state. The state is also maxing out on COVID testing capabilities. We look at its origins, how it operates and how it affects the lives of everyone. Where: Southwest Utah Public Health Department Panguitch office, 601 Center St., Panguitch. Gary Herbert July 17 as a way to have K-12 students be able to attend classes in person. That said, after the state press conference, a move by the CDC showed the constantly changing nature of dealing with COVID-19. ST. GEORGE On Saturday, the statewide mask mandate requiring Utah residents to wear masks or face coverings when physical distancing is not possible comes to an end. And cases have been going down.. Mask mandate When it comes to the second proposition in the UDOH briefing, Pike says that he believes in wearing masks in public areas where social distancing is not possible for the safety. 10PM: SLC mayor clarifies city's new mask order . However, unlike Dunn, Hofmann is not an epidemiologist but a pediatrician which still came in handy in regard to discussing the school mask move. The majority of shoppers who went to the Walmart Supercenter in South Logan on Monday the day the rule went into effect wore masks in compliance with the mandate. The one difficulty that may come into play and may even bring back the days of filled vaccine appointment slots is the Pfizer vaccine is less available than the similar mRNA-based Moderna vaccine, as the Pfizer vaccine requires storage in specialized freezers in extreme sub-zero temperatures. The House of Representatives confirmed that Rep. Mark Strong, R-Bluffdale, had tested positive. And although China is a pole in what is now a bipolar U.S.-China system, it is neither a regional hegemon nor a superpower. Most national chains like Walmart, Target and Kroger, the parent company of Smiths, have said they are going by federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, which continue to advocate for face coverings when physical distancing is not possible. Masks will still be required. The new law does not include ending the mask mandate at the states schools. Where: 745 N Dixie Dr in St. George and 915 Red Cliffs Dr. in Washington City. It wont be a case anymore of a county needing to request the governor for a move to green as much as it will be where the county is in regard to the infection rate and the percent of local coronavirus tests that come back presently. As our workforce diminishes and hospitals fill with COVID patients, I will continue to look for ways to help our community with this local issue. Special Report. The protest, which drew hundreds to the. We encourage Salt Lake County residents and visitors to do these things, regardless of whether or not a mandate is in place," she said in a statement. The Utah Department of Health said 215,000 Utah children fall into the 12- to 15-year-old age group and 23,419 of them have been diagnosed with COVID-19 at some point. And we, as a representative body and elected body, have the responsibility to represent the citizens of the state in a responsible way," said Rep. Karianne Lisonbee, R-Clearfield. Without masks and a vaccine, we could reach Herd Immunity from COVID-19, but deaths would skyrocket. The debate over the bill got tense in the House, as lawmakers deliberated personal freedoms and the collective good. Where: Southwest Utah Public Health Department Kanab office, 445 N. Main St., Kanab. Enter your email below to start! Spencer Cox announced that Utah is lifting that mandate for the rest of the states school districts for the last week of their school years. But going into most large stores and other public places wont seem too different. Where: Southwest Utah Public Health Department Panguitch office, 601 Center St., Panguitch. "Im hoping that omicron is the last variant, right? The circuit needs to be broken, Saunders said, adding that counties that work to bring their transmission rates below the high level in the next two weeks may see no mask mandate at that point. Republican Salt Lake County Council Vice-Chair Aimee Winder Newton also criticized the legislature in a post on Twitter. One protester comparedmask-wearing to the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police on Memorial Day, an incident that sparked national protests against racial inequality and police brutality. Another area not seeing any change by the state masks mandate ending are schools. The No Mask Monday event circulated among the nearly 1000 attendees at Fridays rally in St. George calling for the end of a mask mandate in schools. Southern Utah is closing in on its 5,000th person to be infected with the virus since March, with 908 people presently infected with the virus in the five counties, according to the Utah Department of Health. Senate President J. Stuart Adams signed the resolution in front of FOX 13 on Friday, ending the mandates immediately. Washington County School District Director of Communications Steve Dunham expressed frustration at protesters, calling it "so dang selfish" that people wouldn't wear a mask in an effort to protect others. Where: Southwest Utah Public Health Department Panguitch office, 601 Center St., Panguitch. Those without email addresses or unable to make reservations online can get help at a specialized hotline at, To get alerts for when new vaccine appointments are added with the Southwest Utah Public Health Department, text SWUHEALTH to. Otherwise, click to register. Also, St. George Regional Hospital announced late Thursday that they now have Pfizer appointments available for those ages 12 and up. If you would like to? Kids who havent seen their teachers and friends faces. However, spokespeople for the state's department of health and Gov. Beyond the health district, the best bets locally for the Pfizer vaccine are Walgreens locations, the Albertsons on Dixie Drive in St. George and the CVS Pharmacy in the St. George River Road Target. Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2020, all rights reserved. Jaw-dropping full report on Utah anti-mask protest. To be clear, the Georgia special grand jury cannot bring any indictments, they can only recommend indictments and District Attorney Fanni Willis would then have to pursue the case.. Fulton County judge Robert C. McBurney recently ordered parts . There are a lot of people who really want the kids to have time with their teachers. Thanks! Agendas and Minutes While were on this subject, to people who are mocking individuals who wear masks who are being rude and combative to our front line health care workers: knock it off. On Friday, Springdale announced it will maintain a requirement of masks until the metric thresholds stated in. Written by FELICIA FONSECA, The Associated Press. Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross, said it allowed schools to more easily pivot to remote learning. Despite rumors on social media that all fatalities ranging from car accidents to old age are being reported as COVID-19-related, by law, a death is listed as having been coronavirus-related only if the patient would not have died if they did not have the virus according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rep. Carol Spackman Moss, D-Holladay, said it was personal for her as she insisted that masks work. It wasn't the only action the legislature took in response to COVID-19 and a surge in cases. But this is a time for us to assess what has been working and what has not and make adjustments we need to make in order to win this, Herbert said. Spencer Cox said the mask mandate still remains in effect in all Utah counties, including Kane County. If we work together, we have all the hope in the world that we will be successful in this.. Utah Gov. Mandates in Atlanta and Savannah that required most individuals to mask up in indoor public places were rescinded in late February. Walmart and Kroger the parent of Smiths Marketplace among others have said their policies are based on CDC guidance. What do we know about COVID-19s impacts on Southern Utahs wildlife? Mask mandates to money: Write-in candidate challenges Becky Dunn for School Boar St. Under the law, a local health department can issue an order requiring masks. The new law does not include ending the mask mandate at the states schools. signed by the state Legislature and signed by the governor has forced an end to the mandate that was first enacted by the previous Utah governor, Gary Herbert. "I don't think the government should be telling us what we should do with our bodies," says St. George resident, Amanda Jacobs. Lt. Gov. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Wedgewood Lane. Ketia Daniel, founder of BHM Cleaning Co., is BestReviews cleaning expert. ST. GEORGE With the statewide mask mandate set to lift Saturday, local school districts are reminding students and staff that the requirement for face coverings will remain in effect. Enter your email below to start! This week, Cedar City has had more new infections on a daily basis than St. George despite having less than half of its southern neighbors population. City Leadership The City operates under a Council-Mayor form of government. "In spite of the misguided actions of the Legislature today, please continue to wear good-quality masks while in public. The order was reissued by then-Gov. Initially, Garfield County is the one local county being placed in the high category, while Washington and Iron counties are considered at the moderate level. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, What is the risk of your child being exposed to COVID in school? Sen. Weiler said he hoped to address concerns brought by teachers unions in future legislation being drafted. We are recommending the same as the state masks when the group is over 50 and individual businesses, organizations, agencies are being allowed to set their own policy, Heaton said. Throughout the pandemic, Washington County has been, by far, the prime source of infections. ST. GEORGE A few days after the Washington County School District unilaterally decided to no longer enforce the states mask mandate for schools, Gov. ST. GEORGE Utah Gov. Masks will still be required. Brian Kemp issued an executive order in August 2021 prohibiting local governments from imposing mask rules on private businesses. are met. The public health emergency order, which will replace the governors state of emergency order on Thursday, is different from the previous red-orange-yellow-green risk system in that it is purely data-driven. Washington County schools stand firm on mask mandate while other Southern Utah d Iron County school board to address late-start schedule, mask exemptions, other Virus doesnt exist much in Washington County: Governor opti Statewide mask mandate ending, but in most places masks will still be required, Mask mandate will remain in force for Southern Utah public schools. A check from St. George News found that whether it was Smiths Food and Drug, Albertsons, Lins Fresh Market, Harmons, Walmart or Target, masks will still be required. Where: 625 W. Telegraph St. in Washington City, 180 N. 3400 West in Hurricane and 1330 S. Providence Center Dr. in Cedar City.