In an effort to curb the state's alarming resurgence of COVID-19, Utah's governor mandated masks statewide and implemented sweeping new restrictions on in-home gatherings and after-school sports . The protest, which drew hundreds to the. Where: Southwest Utah Public Health Department St. George office, 620 S. 400 East, St George. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Enter your email below to start! Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? Stock photo. Copyright 2010 - 2023 StGeorgeUtah.com LLC, all rights reserved, Paid summer internships available across Utahs public lands. Reservations: Walk-ins available. Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2021, all rights reserved. Sarah Pettit, a spokesperson with Associated Foods the parent company of Lins told St. George News there is another driving force behind why some stores in Utah that dont have a national presence are still continuing to mandate masks: A stipulation in the new law that masks must still be work in environments where there might be 50 people or more. and 2928 E. Mall Drive in St. George, 1120 State St. in Hurricane and 150 N Main St. in Cedar City. At the same time, stores and businesses also have the option to not require masks anymore, and St. George News has heard from both readers who say they will be looking for stores that dont require masks and other readers who say that stores that dont require masks will lose their business. And although China is a pole in what is now a bipolar U.S.-China system, it is neither a regional hegemon nor a superpower. Around 100 maskless protesters waved "Don't tread on me" flags and chanted "freedom" while marching around St. George Wednesday evening. While many of Pritzker's vaccine mandates on people like college staff and students and K-12 staff have since been lifted, Pritzker defended the mandated shots. Officials point to other states and nations that have seen success with mask mandates. There were no deaths locally Tuesday after there were three new fatalities reported Monday, including the first coronavirus death in Garfield County since July. Senate President J. Stuart Adams signed the resolution in front of FOX 13 on Friday, ending the mandates immediately. Rep. Carol Spackman Moss, D-Holladay, said it was personal for her as she insisted that masks work. News. Those without email addresses or unable to make reservations online can get help at a specialized hotline at, To get alerts for when new vaccine appointments are added with the Southwest Utah Public Health Department, text SWUHEALTH to. And the local health district is at a loss of why that is. Written by FELICIA FONSECA, The Associated Press. Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2021, all rights reserved. He has steadily moved east after growing up among the Valley girls of Southern Californias San Fernando Valley. St. George. On Tuesday, St. George was second in the state for new coronavirus cases among Utah cities with 80,000 people or less according to Utah Department of Health data. Those incur a seven-day state average lower than 191, statewide seven-day intensive care unit utilization at less than 15% and more than 1,633,000 initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccine given in the state. Council member Dea Theodore was pleased with the decision. One example is the neighboring state of Arizona that has seen its coronavirus infection rate go down by 75% since instituting a statewide mask mandate on July 23, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. Vaccines now available for those 12 and over. "When George Floyd was saying 'I can't breathe' and then he died, and now we're wearing a mask, and we say 'I can't breathe,' but we're being forced to wear it anyway," said resident Shauna Kinville to KTVX. The Mayor serves as the chairperson of the Council.The City Manager is under the direction of the Mayor an. Potentially, if a county reduces its case rate and positive test percentage in the next two weeks, it could see its mask mandate lifted. "I will continue to look for solutions to getting us through the next few weeks and urge people to take the necessary precautions to protect the health of you and your families.". The Spectrum, part of the USA TODAY Network, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. A few days after the Washington County School District unilaterally decided to no longer enforce the states mask mandate for schools, Gov. ST. GEORGE Utah Gov. To be clear, the Georgia special grand jury cannot bring any indictments, they can only recommend indictments and District Attorney Fanni Willis would then have to pursue the case.. Fulton County judge Robert C. McBurney recently ordered parts . But this is a time for us to assess what has been working and what has not and make adjustments we need to make in order to win this, Herbert said. This order takes effect on Friday, July 30. And the local health district is at a loss of why that is. Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? In its place will be a more data-driven COVID-19 Transmission Index that will divide counties into high, moderate and low transmission areas. The debate over the bill got tense in the House, as lawmakers deliberated personal freedoms and the collective good. In addition to requiring a distance of at least 6 feet between each group or lone diners, the. The House of Representatives voted 45-29 in favor of Senate Joint Resolution 3, overturning the public health orders issued by local health departments in an effort to combat the surge in COVID-19 cases brought on by the omicron variant. Steven Dunham, the districts director of communications, confirmed with ABC4 News that several of their students tested positive for COVID-19 last week. Iron County has averaged between 35 and 45 new infections per day this week, while Washington County has stayed in the teens. Georgia Gov. Nygren and Navajo Nation Council Delegate Otto Tso, who is temporarily overseeing the tribes legislative branch, announced the change in the evening. In this March 2021 file photo, students wearing masks gather for an assembly at Three Falls Elementary School, Hurricane, Utah | Photo by Ammon Teare, St. George News ST. GEORGE Gov. Stock photo. Must wear a short-sleeve shirt at appointment and should have a personal ID. Additionally, a new note at the top of the St. George Police Department's police reports submission page directs those wishing to make mask mandate complaints to do so through the Utah. Spencer Cox said the mask mandate still remains in effect in all Utah counties, including Kane County. City Leadership The City operates under a Council-Mayor form of government. Tags: Intermountain Healthcare / Mask Mandate. The debates came as the Utah State Legislature is already grappling with COVID-19 within the Capitol itself. Leslie's Pool Supplies in Draper, Murray and St. George will . Special Report. Senate President J. Stuart Adams is recovering after testing positive for COVID-19 last week. Deidre Henderson reiterated that the state was not acting in response to the move in Washington County. In a statement to FOX 13, Democratic Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson expressed disappointment. Where: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Wedgewood Lane, 2015 N Wedgewood Lane, Cedar City. Diverse faiths to gather for Prayer Over the City in St. George to bless 2022; Tag: mask mandate. A bill signed by the state Legislature and signed by the governor has forced an end to the mandate that was first enacted by the previous Utah governor, Gary Herbert, in November; however, that bill still allows businesses to continue their own policies requiring masks in their stores. After growing up in the San Fernando Valley learning karate skills from Mr. Miyagi and spending a decade in Las Vegas mostly avoiding the casinos, he came to St. George for love and married his soulmate, a lifetime Southern Utah resident. Gary Herbert July 17 as a way to have K-12 students be able to attend classes in person. If thats what they want to do, then you can give me a misdemeanor and I can go to court.. Where: 745 N Dixie Dr in St. George and 915 Red Cliffs Dr. in Washington City. You cant breathe. Under the law, a local health department can issue an order requiring masks. ST. GEORGE, Utah (ABC4 News) After more than one week since schools have reopened in Washington County, the Liberty Action Coalition hosted an anti-mask mandate rally in front of the school district building Friday morning. Most national chains like Walmart, Target and Kroger, the parent company of Smiths, have said they are going by federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, which continue to advocate for face coverings when physical distancing is not possible. This is a really challenging subject as a pediatrician but I would encourage every parent to have their kids still wear a mask and I would encourage every parent to still wear a mask.. and 2928 E. Mall Drive in St. George, 1120 State St. in Hurricane and 150 N Main St. in Cedar City. Southern Utah is closing in on its 5,000th person to be infected with the virus since March, with 908 people presently infected with the virus in the five counties, according to the Utah Department of Health. Where: 20 N. Bluff St.and565 S. Mall Drive in St. George and 633 S. Main St. in Cedar City. However, as the situation and science surrounding the coronavirus continues to evolve, its possible that some data has changed. With 14 new infections Friday, Cedar City saw the second-largest increase in the state for a city with less than 100,000 population. signed by the state Legislature and signed by the governor has forced an end to the mandate that was first enacted by the previous Utah governor, Gary Herbert. Kids who havent seen their teachers and friends faces. The masks-required sign inside the west entrance of the Harmon's grocery store in St. George, Utah, March 19, 2021 | Photo by Mori Kessler. . Earlier this year in a published paper, Dr. Anthony Fauci, who left his role as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases last year, cast doubt on the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines.. ST. GEORGE The Kane County Commission has declared that the state's mask mandate requiring face coverings in public settings is no longer valid there. in St. George, 625 W. Telegraph St. in Washington City, 180 N. 3400 West in Hurricane and 1330 S. Providence Center Dr. in Cedar City. Nominate Someone for a FOX 13 Dream Team Surprise. SALT LAKE CITY The Utah State Legislature has terminated mask mandates in Salt Lake and Summit counties, effective immediately. ST. GEORGE On Saturday, the statewide mask mandate requiring Utah residents to wear masks or face coverings when physical distancing is not possible comes to an end. Hong Kong to lift COVID-19 mask mandate on Wednesday Feb 28, 2023 2:57 AM. owever, that bill still allows businesses to continue their own policies requiring masks in their stores. Those who have received either both shots of most vaccines or the single shot of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine no longer need to wear masks indoors or outdoors and no longer need to practice physical distancing. "I don't think the government should be telling us what we should do with our bodies," says St. George resident, Amanda Jacobs. And while by legislative order that order for face coverings in public settings is scheduled to end April 10, Gov. Where: 625 W. Telegraph St. in Washington City, 180 N. 3400 West in Hurricane and 1330 S. Providence Center Dr. in Cedar City. Sarah Pettit, a spokesperson with Associated Foods the parent company of Lins told St. George News there is another driving force behind why some stores in Utah that dont have a national presence are still continuing to mandate masks: A stipulation in the new law that masks must still be work in environments where there might be 50 people or more. The state is also maxing out on COVID testing capabilities. Enter your email below to start! "Its such a message to send to our schools this early in the session about what extent we are going to take to help us ride out this pandemic, especially in this surge," Heidi Matthews, the UEA's president, said in an interview with FOX 13. "At this point, mandates like this and these have caused increased polarization, increased public distrust and have accelerated the ever-increasing burnout people are feeling from pandemic restrictions," said Rep. Candice Pierucci, R-Herriman, who sponsored the resolution in the House. Must have a personal ID and wear a short-sleeve shirt at appointment. The National Park Service also continues to monitor and. are met. Thanks! Utah is now facing its most dire episode yet in this epidemic, and frankly, it doesnt matter how tired we are. He also once got close to the stars doing publicity for a space module builder. Report inappropriate content WonderMan3 Provincetown. The new law does not include ending the mask mandate at the states schools. Explores risk management in medieval and early modern Europe, ST. GEORGE On Saturday, the statewide mask mandate requiring Utah residents to wear masks or face coverings when physical distancing is not possible comes to an end. St. George Regional Hospital/Intermountain Healthcare: Where: 400 East Campus St. George Regional Hospital, 544 S. 400 East, St. George. Health officials say worst cold, flu, COVID season in decades coming home for turkey day, Paid summer internships available across Utah's public lands, Gabby Petito's family files amended lawsuit against Moab police, 3 agencies combine to help rapeller who fell in mountains above Snow Canyon. Other local pharmacies may have the Pfizer vaccine in supply. Where:Southwest Utah Public Health Department Beaver Office, 75 1175 North, Beaver. I have eaten in restaurants where the employees were still wearing masks, seemed overkill to me. Where: 20 N. Bluff St.and565 S. Mall Drive in St. George and 633 S. Main St. in Cedar City. The mandate was one of the longest-standing anywhere in the U.S. and applied broadly to businesses, government offices and tourist destinations on the vast reservation, which extends into New Mexico, Utah and Arizona. According to Western Journal: The Republican Party of Washington County, Pennsylvania, issued a statement Monday on Facebook calling for Sen. John Fetterman to appear on camera to "show us he is alive and well.". Were working through that data with the health department to see if anyone else needs to be isolated.. Im tired of social distancing. Gary Herbert. We had more parents bring thank you notes and treats to our schools than we had students go home with their parents for not wearing a mask, Dunham said. The order was reissued by then-Gov. He came to St. George for love and has grown to love the community. On Saturday, the statewide mask mandate requiring Utah residents to wear masks or face coverings when physical distancing is not possible comes to an end. The Grand Canyon State had been one of the top three states in the nation for transmission for the virus but now has half the daily infections of Utah. After growing up in the San Fernando Valley learning karate skills from Mr. Miyagi and spending a decade in Las Vegas mostly avoiding the casinos, he came to St. George for love and married his soulmate, a lifetime Southern Utah resident. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Proof of residency may be required, though a person does not have to reside in the county they are receiving the vaccine. He started his journalism career as a sports reporter and editor in Southern California where he once compared shoe sizes with Shaquille O'Neal and exchanged mix tapes with members of the Los Angeles Kings. The governor said he made the decision after consulting with health and legislative leaders. On Friday, Springdale announced it will maintain a requirement of masks until the metric thresholds stated in the bill that ended the mask mandate are met. I know that masks are controversial. What do we know about COVID-19s impacts on Southern Utahs wildlife? Check the resources below for up-to-date information and resources. Where:Southwest Utah Public Health Department Beaver Office, 75 1175 North, Beaver. FILE - In this July 7, 2020 file photo, Utah Republican Lt. Gov Spencer Cox arrives for a press conference at the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City. Senate President J. Stuart Adams signed the resolution in front of FOX 13 on Friday, ending the mandates immediately. Family struggles after mother dies 23 days after father in Christmas Eve crash just south of St. George ; Groups scour 2022 Utah budget for funds to fight hunger . A bill signed by the state Legislature and signed by the governor has forced an end to the mandate that was first enacted by the previous Utah governor, Gary Herbert, in November; however, that bill still allows businesses to continue their own policies requiring masks in their stores. Spencer Cox announced that Utah is lifting that mandate for the rest of the states school districts for the last week of their school years. The Mayor and five Council Members are elected at large to four-year staggered terms. But going into most large stores and other public places wont seem too different. Because it is a joint resolution, Governor Spencer Cox has no signature or veto. Thats where Candice Nay, mother of Camron and Rylee, said she heard about the students plans. Gary Herbert seen in an address to all Utahns Sunday evening where he ordered a . Proof of residency may be required, though a person does not have to reside in the county they are receiving the vaccine. Steven Dunham, the district's director of communications, confirmed with ABC4 News that several of their [] Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. That said, after the state press conference, a move by the CDC showed the constantly changing nature of dealing with COVID-19. . If you take the politics out, masks just work.. The mandate was originally set to expire on Dec. 10 but has been extended until at least Jan. 8. Cox said hes heard from school district leaders for some time about lifting the school mandate. We are at very high rates of COVID spread and we are hopeful to have the Omicron variant of the virus behind us soon. A check from St. George News found that whether it was Smiths Food and Drug, Albertsons, Lins Fresh Market, Harmons, Walmart or Target, masks will still be required. And in her own medical opinion as a childrens doctor, Hofmann indicated that she would prefer that the kids keep their masks on even without the mandate. You should wear one," she said. and 2928 E. Mall Drive in St. George, 1120 State St. in Hurricane and 150 N Main St. in Cedar City. Southern Utah coronavirus count (as of Oct. 13, 2020, seven-day average in parentheses), Positive COVID-19 tests: 4,682 (56.1 new infections per day in seven days, rising), Current Utah seven-day average: 1,182 (rising), Southern Utah counties in high transmission level (masks required, gatherings to 10 or less): Garfield (18.1% positive tests, 472.4 per 100,000 case rate), Southern Utah counties in moderate transmission level (masks recommended, gatherings to 25 or less): Washington (12.6% positive tests, 327.9 per 100,000 case rate), Iron (8.3% positive tests, 153.5 per 100,000 case rate), Southern Utah counties in low transmission level (masks recommended, gatherings to 50 or less): Beaver (7.1% positive tests, 197.6 per 100,000 case rate), Kane (6.5% positive tests, 90.8 per 100,000 case rate). Copyright 2010 - 2023 StGeorgeUtah.com LLC, all rights reserved. However, spokespeople for the state's department of health and Gov. My husband and my mother both died within the last six months either directly from COVID or the effects of COVID," she said. Hofmann said she told her 17-year-old boy and 15-year-old girl about the pending move Wednesday night. Those without email addresses or unable to make reservations online can get help at a specialized hotline at, To get alerts for when new vaccine appointments are added with the Southwest Utah Public Health Department, text SWUHEALTH to, To receive a free ride to and from a vaccine appointment through Lyft, call, Busineses, organizations and religious institutions can have a mobile vaccination clinic come to their campus free of charge by going to either. We have one of the worst outbreaks in the country, and that is unacceptable.. Masks will still be required in schools, nursing homes and healthcare facilities, according to the latest public health order. Schools and religious institutions are exempt from the social gathering restriction, as are indoor gatherings where everyone is wearing masks. Where: Southwest Utah Public Health Department Panguitch office, 601 Center St., Panguitch. Masks are now required in Salt Lake City facilities following an executive order from Mayor Erin Mendenhall. The Navajo Nation has rescinded a mask mandate that has been in effect since the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, officials announced Friday, Jan. 20, 2023, fulfilling a pledge that new tribal President Buu Nygren made while campaigning for the office | Photo by Felicia Fonseca, The Associated Press, St. George News, Copyright 2010 - 2023 StGeorgeUtah.com LLC, all rights reserved, I will not hesitate: Buu Nygren sworn in as next Navajo Nation president, Navajo Nation prioritizes $1 billion in COVID aid; major improvements planned, Tribes play vital role in Arizonas rural COVID-19 vaccine rates outpacing more populated counties, Paid summer internships available across Utah's public lands, Gabby Petito's family files amended lawsuit against Moab police, 3 agencies combine to help rapeller who fell in mountains above Snow Canyon.