CORONAVIRUS

Some Protest, Others Praise Governor’s COVID-19 Order

Nov 9, 2020, 11:35 PM

Gov. Gary Herbert speaks at his daily COVID-19 update on April 7, 2020....

Gov. Gary Herbert speaks at his daily COVID-19 update on April 7, 2020.

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Gov. Gary Herbert’s executive order went into effect Monday, sparking swift reaction from supporters who don’t think the mandate goes far enough and protesters who said the state has gone too far.

“We cannot afford to debate this issue any longer,” Herbert said during an emergency announcement Sunday night.

But by Monday, a few dozen protesters had taken the debate to the governor’s mansion.

“It just was another validation of how he’s overstepping his bounds,” said Mike Brown.

The scene outside the mansion was the opposite of the measures laid out in the governor’s new executive order, namely, a statewide mask mandate and limiting gatherings to those in the same household.

“The first amendment says we have the right to peaceably assemble and the governor cannot override that,” Brown said. “We know that the governor doesn’t have that authority. He actually works for us. And he has to abide by the U.S. Constitution as well.”

But the mandate and accompanying order was welcome news to many other Utahns.

“We always wear masks everywhere we go,” Pablo Sandi said. “But I would have made that decision perhaps three or four months ago.”

Others, like representatives with the Utah Education Association, said the order does not go far enough.

For months, Herbert resisted calls for a statewide mask mandate, leaving it up to city and counties instead. But on Monday, he pointed to overcrowding hospitals as the reason for the order. And state epidemiologist Dr. Angela Dunn threw her support behind it.

“I really believe if every Utahn adheres to the principles outlined by Governor Herbert we will start to see a decrease in our cases and we need that urgently,” Dunn said during Monday’s press conference. “This will be the start of us being able to save our health care system.”

Herbert said the labor department will be able to fine businesses that don’t comply, and local health and police departments are authorized under state statute to enforce a public health order.

“It clearly is not stopping the cases from rising,” Brown said, pointing to cities and counties that already have mask mandates. “They’re still rising. So, it’s really unnecessary. People are already complying.”

Herbert addressed those who believe his order goes too far.

“Individual freedom is certainly important, and it is our rule of law that protects that freedom,” he said. “Laws are put in place to protect all of us. That’s why we have traffic lights and speed limits and seatbelts. And that’s why we now have a mask mandate.”

The measure is meant to slow the spread of the virus, but so far has offered no slowing to the debate surrounding the government’s response.

KSL 5 TV Live

Coronavirus

FILE: Former Utah Jazz John Stockton reacts during a 76-70 Wichita State win over the Gonzaga Bulld...

Michael Houck

Former Utah Jazz star John Stockton sues Washington medical director about COVID misinformation policy

Former Utah Jazz superstar John Stockton has filed a federal lawsuit against Washington officials on First Amendment violations, arguing the state's policy of COVID-19 misinformation is unconstitutional.

16 days ago

Deer Creek Reservoir...

Alex Cabrero

State parks expecting another record visitation year, hiring more workers

It didn't matter how cold or snowy it was at Deer Creek State Park Friday afternoon. Nothing was going to stop Leonard Sawyer from taking his boat out to do a little fishing.

1 month ago

FILE —  Respiratory virus illness activity continues to increase across the US.
(Joe Burbank/Orl...

Emma Benson

‘Not viruses to mess around with’: Experts urge caution during ongoing ‘tripledemic’

Experts say though not as severe as last year, this winter we're seeing another "tripledemic" – rising cases of COVID-19, flu and RSV in Utah.

3 months ago

FILE - COVID-19 antigen home tests. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison, File)Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS...

Emma Benson

‘The ICUs are full:’ Keep yourself and others healthy this holiday

It's time for holiday gatherings, but with more people around us comes a greater risk of getting sick.

3 months ago

Julianna Preece goes through the mountain of medical documents she's acquired for her health condit...

Lauren Steinbrecher

Herriman couple is suing CVS, says 5x Covid vaccine dose mistake caused health problems

A couple is suing a Utah CVS vaccination clinic, saying a nurse’s mistake led to the wife receiving five times the normal COVID-19 vaccine dose and caused serious health issues she’s still dealing with today.

4 months ago

FILE - COVID-19 antigen home tests. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison, File)Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS...

Associated Press

More free COVID-19 tests from the government are available for home delivery through the mail

Americans can order more free COVID-19 tests online for home delivery.

4 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Some Protest, Others Praise Governor’s COVID-19 Order