CORONAVIRUS

SLC Mayor Announces Extension Of City Mask Order

Apr 7, 2021, 12:53 PM | Updated: 1:20 pm

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall announces an extension of the city's mask order on April 7, 20...

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall announces an extension of the city's mask order on April 7, 2021. (Paul Nelson/KSL NewsRadio)

(Paul Nelson/KSL NewsRadio)

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall announced the city’s mask mandate will remain in place beyond Saturday, which is when the statewide mask mandate ends under Utah’s “endgame” COVID-19 bill.

“We need to keep doing what’s worked: wearing masks,” Mendenhall said at a press conference Wednesday. “I can’t wait until the day comes when the data allows me to write an order rescinding the live-saving mask requirement, but today is not that day and April 10 is not that day either.”

The announcement came after members of the Salt Lake County Council said on Wednesday that they would not be extending the county’s order past Saturday.

Salt Lake County Health Department Director Gary Edwards recommended that the county not extend the mask mandate pursuant to the passage of HB294, and councilwoman Aimee Winder Newton urged residents during a press conference Wednesday to respect businesses that continue to require masks.

The law effectively terminates the Utah Department of Health’s statewide mask mandate on Saturday. It also lists conditions for terminating all health orders:

  • the state’s 14-day case rate is less than 191 per 100,000 people;
  • the statewide seven-day average COVID-19 ICU utilization is less than 15%; and
  • the Utah Department of Health provides notice that 1,633,000 prime doses of a COVID-19 vaccine have been allocated to the state.

Mendenhall said her proclamation does not conflict with the state’s “endgame” bill, which she said defines the process for a county health department to enact masks requirements and does not preclude a city executive from exercising emergency authorities.

Mendenhall said they will continue to watch the city’s 14-day average of new COVID-19 cases and vaccination levels before making changes.

She said the county’s data differs from the city, as the county-level data comes from multiple cities across the valley.

“You can look at the science of Salt Lake County’s data, which is across many, many different cities — when you look at Salt Lake City’s data that comes from the county, it’s not the same,” Mendenhall said. “And as I said with our three-day and 14-day averages, we are not continuing to decline the way Salt Lake County is. We reached a plateau, and it’s actually not a declining plateau. So we’re going to continue to work with our local data, through our county officials.”

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.

15 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.

SLC Mayor Announces Extension Of City Mask Order