Doctor Urges Utahns To Keep Wearing Masks After Mandate Ends
Apr 9, 2021, 3:00 PM | Updated: 3:59 pm
(KSL TV)
The mandate ends at midnight Friday, but several local governments, businesses and schools will still require the face coverings, including the Utah Transit Authority.
“I think we’ve learned very well that masking works in our communities. It helps keep our businesses open, it helps us interact with our families’ safely,” said Dr. Kristin Dascomb, infectious diseases physician at Intermountain Healthcare during a news conference Friday.
She said masks have proven to slow transmission rates.
While some may be ready to take off their mask, Dascomb warned now is not the time for Utahns to let their guard down.
“While we have these few months of continuing transmission, while we get that vaccine out to more folks, it is still a recommended practice to have masking in place,” she said.
Masks will still be required at all Intermountain health facilities, even after the statewide mandate is lifted.
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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.
The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.