SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Department of Health has set an exit date for when parts of the state can remove mandatory facial coverage.
LINKS: See how to register for a COVID-19 vaccination in Utah
In an interview with FOX 13, UDOH Executive Director Rich Saunders said that eight weeks after Utah reached 1.6 million allocated primary doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, counties with a low transmission rate could suspend mandates for mask. Utah is currently at about 444,000 primary doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
“There is an epidemiological outcome that is not a new case for 28 days in a row and then there must be a final practical vision that we will arrive at earlier, where we can make some serious adjustments,” he said.
The latest public health order issued by Saunders on Monday night reflects the change in direction. It also adjusts some physical distance requirements for counties at the moderate transmission level.
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But Saunders warned that these things could change again.
“So yes, we are trying to forge that definition and description now,” he said. “What we describe today is not what it will be like in a month or two, we are just beginning to forge that vision now.”
The latest public health order also alters some of the restrictions for COVID-19 in schools and businesses. For K-12 schools, the test will now be required of all high school students who participate in a school-sponsored extracurricular activity, such as a dance. Students will also receive COVID tests at schools.
The bars on the moderate transmission rate no longer need to limit the occupancy to 75%, as long as they can ensure that customers wear masks within 2 meters of another party. Also in moderate broadcasting, cinemas, sporting events, wedding venues and other entertainment can now have seats side by side if all customers wearing masks can attest that they are free of any symptoms of COVID-19 and are not subject to quarantine. The masks can be removed to eat or drink, but a physical distance of 6 feet is necessary in this case.
This is breaking news. Updates on FOX 13 and fox13now.com as information becomes available.