Provo City Council Passes Mask Ordinance; Mayor Says She’ll Veto It

PROVO, Utah – The Provo City Council has unanimously passed an ordinance requiring face masks indoors and at certain public outdoor events, but Mayor Michelle Kaufusi has said she will veto the mandate.

The council passed the ordinance during Tuesday night’s session, which took place as around 70,000 college students return to the city and surrounding areas.

The measure now moves to Kaufusi’s desk, where she may sign it, veto it or allow it to go into effect after 15 days without her signature.

After the council passed the ordinance, Kaufusi said she intends to veto it.

If Kaufusi does veto the ordinance, the council can vote to override the veto.

Council members said they received over 4,300 responses to a survey, in addition to several phone calls and emails regarding the measure.

The mandate does not ban mass gatherings — parties, receptions and sports are allowed — but masks must be worn if there is an indoor gathering of more than 50 people or an outdoor gathering where social distancing cannot occur.

According to the ordinance, the penalty for not wearing a mask is a civil, not criminal, infraction that could result in a fine of $55 for individuals and a maximum fine of $500 for organizers of large events who don’t require masks.