Provo City Council Votes Against Removing Fine For Not Wearing Mask

PROVO, Utah – City leaders in Provo said they will not be removing penalties for violators of the new mask mandate.

The City Council on Tuesday voted 5 – 2 against removing the $55 fine imposed against those caught not wearing a face mask in public.

Group organizers who violate the order could face fines of up to $500.

Some members of the council acknowledged it’s unclear exactly which agency will be enforcing the ordinance.

The current face mask mandate is scheduled to expire Nov. 15 unless the council decides to renew the mandate by Oct. 20.

The mandate only applies to public situations where social distancing is not an option. Here’s more, according to Provo City: 

The ordinance requires face coverings or social distancing in publicly accessible spaces with specific requirements that vary depending on:

• whether an individual is indoors or outdoors
• the size of gatherings

The ordinance DOES NOT ban gatherings but does place additional requirements on the organizers to provide signage and require face coverings as appropriate.

It also requires businesses to post signage.

Where are face coverings required?

• In indoor areas accessible to the public (including businesses and public buildings) wherever social distancing of at least 6 feet from people you don’t live with is not possible
• At gatherings of certain sizes (“Gatherings” refers to a common event where people are coming together for a certain purpose and not to people who just happen to be in the same place at the same time (ex: a concert is a gathering, but people shopping at a store is not))
• Indoor gatherings of more than 50 people regardless of whether social distancing of at least 6 feet is possible
  Gatherings outdoors of more than 25 people where social distancing of at least 6 feet is not possible

This ordinance does not apply to private spaces, such as homes or private backyards.

What are the requirements for face coverings?

Face coverings must completely cover the nose and mouth (see exemptions below).

Who is exempt?

The following individuals are exempt from the requirements:

• Children under the age of five
• Individuals with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a face covering
• Individuals engaging in strenuous physical activity where circumstances are not reasonably conducive to wearing a face covering, such as swimming, running, fitness classes, etc.
• Individuals who are eating or drinking while seated at a restaurant or other establishment that offers food or beverage service
• Individuals who are obtaining a service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service
• Individuals who are hearing impaired, or communicating with an individual who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication
• Individuals who are purchasing a product or receiving a service that requires identification may briefly remove a face covering as necessary
• Individuals for whom wearing a face covering would create a risk to the individual related to their work, as determined by local, state or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines