Wearing A Mask Is The New Normal

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – If you’ve stepped outside your home during this pandemic, you’ve likely noticed a lot more people wearing masks.

From essential businesses to the general public, people are protecting themselves with cloth face covers.

“It is a little weird talking to customers through a mask, but everyone else seems to be wearing masks now,” said Nick Price, owner of Three Pines Coffee in Salt Lake City. “So this is the new normal, I guess.”

Plenty of mask wearing out there. Some people are calling it the “new normal,” but most say it gives them peace of mind. Full story on @KSL5TV at noon . #COVID19Utah #prevention #FlattenTheCurve #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/kpnQ5188Na

— Felicia Martinez (@FeliciaKSL) April 8, 2020

The business owner and barista is quickly adjusting to his new normal as he prepares pick-up orders for his customers after being closed for three weeks.

All over town, from grocery stores to gas stations to those simply walking around, people are wearing masks.

Even Gov. Gary Herbert set an example on Tuesday, calling it a symbol of the times.

“I’m showing off my latest fashion statement with a COVID- 19 prevention mask,” he said during a state COVID-19 press conference.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday recommended people wear a cloth face covering in public settings where social distancing is difficult.

“I expect more and more of the people of Utah to walk around with these masks on to help them with the spreading of COVID-19,” Herbert said.

As for Price, he said he wants his customers to be left with peace of mind when they see he’s wearing a mask and gloves.

“Up until a week or two ago, I would have been scared by that,” he said. “But now I’m like relieved: ‘Oh good, they have gloves on and a mask.'”

According to the CDC, face coverings should not be put on children younger than two, anyone who has trouble breathing, or those who cannot take it off. Go to the CDC’s website for more information.

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Coronavirus Resources  

• Have you or a family member been affected by coronavirus issues in Utah? KSL TV wants to hear from you. Contact KSL by emailing social@ksl.com.  
• What is COVID-19? Here’s What You Need To Know To Stay Healthy  

• What We Know And Don’t Know About The Coronavirus  
• Four Common Coronavirus Questions Answered  
• The latest coronavirus stories from KSL TV can be found at our Staying Safe: Coronavirus section.  
• Your Life Your Health: How can parents prepare their home, children against coronavirus?  

How Do I Prevent It?  

The CDC has some simple recommendations, most of which are the same for preventing other respiratory illnesses or the flu:  

• Avoid close contact with people who may be sick  
• Avoid touching your face  
• Stay home when you are sick  
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash  

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.  
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.  

How To Get Help  

If you’re worried you may have COVID-19, go to TestingUtah.com to schedule a test, or contact the Utah Coronavirus Information Line at 1-800-456-7707 to speak to trained healthcare professionals. You can also use telehealth service through your healthcare providers.   

Additional Resources  

If  you see evidence of PRICE GOUGING, the Utah Attorney General’s Office wants you to report it. Common items in question include toilet paper, water, hand sanitizer, certain household cleaners, and even cold medicine and baby formula. Authorities are asking anyone who sees price gouging to report it to the Utah Division of Consumer Protection at 801-530-6601 or 800-721-7233. The division can also be reached by email at consumerprotection@utah.gov.