Governor Herbert Renews Utah State Of Emergency
Sep 19, 2020, 4:08 PM | Updated: Jul 12, 2023, 6:58 pm
SALT LAKE CITY — Gov. Gary Herbert has issued an executive order, renewing Utah’s State of Emergency. The announcement came after the state hit record high COVID-19 cases Friday.
The previous order was scheduled to expire Saturday, Sept. 19.
“Under the new State of Emergency, the governor will only take certain executive actions, such as suspending statutes, if asked to do so by the Public Health and Economic Emergency Commission,” read a press release from the Governor’s office.
The Governor also issued brief renewals of statute and rule suspensions to allow Utah residents and agencies to prepare for the reactivation of the statutes and rules.
“These suspensions allow Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control licensees to maintain their licenses even if they close down for a period of time; suspend some requirements for using telehealth; suspend requirements that parole hearings be open to in-person participation; and allow flexibility to retired employees who have not been separated from employment from a public employer for one year to return to work on COVID-19 related issues without jeopardizing their retirement benefits,” the release continued.
The Utah Department of Health said the executive order has to be renewed each month.
The new order will take effect immediately and will remain in effect through Oct. 20, unless extended by the Utah State Legislature, or earlier if the Governor finds the threat of danger has passed or reduced.
Phased health guideline changes and mask mandates will be issued as public health orders under the Utah Department of Health.