The majority of shoppers who went to the Walmart Supercenter in South Logan on Monday the day the rule went into effect wore masks in compliance with the mandate. Spencer Cox reaffirmed [] Where:Southwest Utah Public Health Department Beaver Office, 75 1175 North, Beaver. Elk Cam; Falcon Cam; Shad Cam; Contact Us Hofmann said she told her 17-year-old boy and 15-year-old girl about the pending move Wednesday night. It does not have any presence online beyond a Facebook group that started in July. Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2020, all rights reserved. I know that masks are controversial. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Individual cities and counties are facing their own decisions on whether to continue to mandate masks in their buildings. And those who choose not to, we recognize that as well.. Team members and vendors at all Lins stores will continue to wear masks and we urge our guests to wear masks while shopping with us.. . Trending: The Chain Reaction Has Begun - Humanity Is Winning! Gary Herbert mentioned the possibility of a statewide mask mandate. The CDC cites three new studies that have shown such measures are no longer necessary for those fully inoculated, though the CDC still advises that those with compromised immune systems should consider keeping their masks on even if theyre vaccinated. Report inappropriate content WonderMan3 Provincetown. The district's board of education sent out an e-mail to faculty . Individual cities and counties are facing their own decisions on whether to continue to mandate masks in their buildings. for those who have been fully vaccinated that said if someone has been fully inoculated against the virus, the time has come where they can truly just about throw away the mask and go back to the way things were before the pandemic began. Gary Herbert July 17 as a way to have K-12 students be able to attend classes in person. ST. GEORGE After ending a June that was by far the worst month of the COVID-19 pandemic in Southern Utah, July has begun with a drop in hospitalizations among locals and, for the moment, what might be a brief reprieve from the cusp of capacity at Dixie Regional Medical Center. We have 60, 70 or more people so thats certainly a component for us, Pettit said, referring to a statement by Associated Foods that says: Associated Foods feels it is imperative that masks be worn in our stores until our team and partners have had the opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Diverse faiths to gather for Prayer Over the City in St. George to bless 2022; Tag: mask mandate. On Friday, Springdale announced it will maintain a requirement of masks until the metric thresholds stated in. If we work together, we have all the hope in the world that we will be successful in this.. Cox cited dwindling numbers in school districts statewide something evidenced by Southern Utah. 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. Senate President J. Stuart Adams signed the resolution in front of FOX 13 on Friday, ending the mandates immediately. The Utah Department of Health said 215,000 Utah children fall into the 12- to 15-year-old age group and 23,419 of them have been diagnosed with COVID-19 at some point. Where: Southwest Utah Public Health Department St. George office, 620 S. 400 East, St George. My Statement on today's Mask Mandate Reversal. The move comes as the COVID-19 vaccine has become available for children ages 12 and up. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Wedgewood Lane. Were looking at who theyve been around, how close were they, for how long, and if they were wearing a mask. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Previous IT'S OFFICIAL: Russia pulls out of nuclear START Treaty. 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. Gary Herbert ordered a statewide mask mandate and also ordered that households may not participate in or host social gatherings other than with people in their immediate households for the next two weeks.These moves are in response to an ongoing surge in the COVID-19 pandemic. St. George News has made every effort to ensure the information in this story is accurate at the time it was written. Rep. Pierucci argued the mandates were simply not effective in getting people to mask. After discussing the need to help with schools, first responders, health care and businesses with the Speaker yesterday, it was disappointing to see the State interfere with local decisions dedicated to the well-being of Salt Lake County residents, without any other solutions offered," she said in a statement to FOX 13. are met. I dont know there was any school district that accelerated this, Henderson said. I said, I do, but masks arent really my thing.. St. George News has made every effort to ensure the information in this story is accurate at the time it was written. Copyright 2010 - 2023 StGeorgeUtah.com LLC, all rights reserved. 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. 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. 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. 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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Beaver and Kane counties will be in the low level. Republican Salt Lake County Council Vice-Chair Aimee Winder Newton also criticized the legislature in a post on Twitter. Iron County suddenly the COVID-19 hotspot. Schools and religious institutions are exempt from the social gathering restriction, as are indoor gatherings where everyone is wearing masks. Chris Reed serves as an editor and reporter for St. George News, where has been honored with several awards from the Society of Professional Journalists for his work, including first-place accolades. 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. Initially, Garfield County is the one local county being placed in the high category, while Washington and Iron counties are considered at the moderate level. ST. GEORGE Gov. Ketia Daniel, founder of BHM Cleaning Co., is BestReviews cleaning expert. Iron County has averaged between 35 and 45 new infections per day this week, while Washington County has stayed in the teens. This includes those who have received both vaccine shots, as it is still not conclusive whether those vaccinated can still spread the virus or not. WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) The Navajo Nation has rescinded a mask mandate thats been in effect since the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, officials announced Friday, fulfilling a pledge that new tribal President Buu Nygren made while campaigning for the office. Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? They can choose to comply with the K-12 mask mandate or they can choose to go home with their parents. Masks are now required in Salt Lake City facilities following an executive order from Mayor Erin Mendenhall. Southwest Utah Public Health Department Kanab office, Southwest Utah Public Health Department Panguitch office, Southwest Utah Public Health Department Beaver Office, 400 East Campus St. George Regional Hospital, Use vaccinefinder.org to find a location near you, To file complaint about non-compliance with mask mandate, Utah Food Bank expands St. George distribution center, dedicates facility to longtime volunteer, Survey: Springdale residents open to denser housing option as planning commission considers zone proposal, We want to be heard: Washington County students organize anti-censorship group after books removed from school, 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. And while by legislative order that order for face coverings in public settings is scheduled to end April 10, Gov. SALT LAKE CITY The Utah State Legislature has terminated mask mandates in Salt Lake and Summit counties, effective immediately. "Have you lost a family member to COVID? But in light of some reports of bullying of teachers and students who chose to keep their masks on, Cox cautioned about abuses to those who choose to continue to take preventative measures against COVID-19. The CDCs vaccinecheck.org site allows people to look specifically for sites within 25 miles with the Pfizer or other specific vaccines in stock. If you take the politics out, masks just work.. Walmart and Kroger the parent of Smiths Marketplace among others have said their policies are based on CDC guidance. ST. GEORGE Southern Utah had its third-highest day of the pandemic for new infections Friday, but one of the leading doctors for Intermountain Healthcare said the mask mandate enacted nearly a month ago is still working. Governor orders statewide mask mandate, bans social gatherings for next two week Southern Utah sets new 1-day record for COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations. "I don't think the government should be telling us what we should do with our bodies," says St. George resident, Amanda Jacobs. (St. George, UT) Intermountain Health is dropping its mask requirement for patients and visitors. David Heaton, spokesperson for the Southwest Utah Public Health Department, said the local health department is opting to just follow guidelines from the state at this point. Where: Revere Health Campus, 2825 E. Mall Drive, St. George. 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. Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? On Friday, the Senate voted 22-5 for House Bill 183, which pauses "test to stay," used to keep kids in the classroom during the pandemic. View all posts by Nwo Report. The debates came as the Utah State Legislature is already grappling with COVID-19 within the Capitol itself. Where: 625 W. Telegraph St. in Washington City, 180 N. 3400 West in Hurricane and 1330 S. Providence Center Dr. in Cedar City. ST. GEORGE Beaver County was lowered in the state's COVID-19 Transmission Index on Thursday, effectively ending, for now, mandatory COVID-19 restrictions throughout Southern Utah with the exception of the mask mandate. I will be by their side and respect their choices to not wear masks, Nay said. Each level will have the following restrictions: However, regardless of the transmission level, both high and moderate levels will be under a mask requirement and social gatherings must be at 10 or below over the next two weeks. Voluntary. The bill returns to the House because of amendments attached to the bill. Iron County has averaged between 35 and 45 new infections per day this week, while Washington County has stayed in the teens. After getting permission from the Brazilian government of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, two Iranian warships docked in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday despite pressure from the United States to bar them. The new law does not include ending the mask mandate at the states schools. According to the Utah Department of Health, the state average of new infections per day is at 402, the ICU utilization is at 66.1% and 1,068,003 Utahns have received at least one dose of the vaccine. City Leadership The City operates under a Council-Mayor form of government. 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. Masks are still encouraged, and I would ask that parents, students and teachers be respectful of those who decide they want to wear masks, Cox said. Many of the reactions to the report criticized the demonstrators, calling them "entitled" and"proudly hostile," while others likened it to "a straightparody"fit for a"Saturday Night Live" sketch. SJR3 passed the Senate with a 22-5 vote on Tuesday, the first day of the Utah Legislature . Cox said hes heard from school district leaders for some time about lifting the school mandate. Please honor mask requirements posted by businesses. And I do want to remind everyone that your rights do not come from the government, and therefore the government cant take away something because it didnt give them to you, says Gil Almquist, the Washington County Commission Chair. Education. WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) The Navajo Nation has rescinded a mask mandate that's been in effect since the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, officials announced Friday, fulfilling a pledge. But going into most large stores and other public places wont seem too different. 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. Were unsure why Iron hasnt dropped as fast as Washington., Heaton said. There are a lot of people who really want the kids to have time with their teachers. They were aware that we were going to be moving forward with this.. 294 does away with the statewide mask mandate on April 10, but mask requirements remain in place for schools and groups larger than 50.". Republican Salt Lake County Council Chair Laurie Stringham criticized the legislature's vote to terminate local health orders. However, as the situation and science surrounding the coronavirus continues to evolve, its possible that some data has changed. Its time for them to be able to open their chapter houses to conduct local business and to receive services they are asking for and deserve.. Southwest Utah Public Health Department Kanab office, Southwest Utah Public Health Department Panguitch office, Southwest Utah Public Health Department Beaver Office, 400 East Campus St. George Regional Hospital, Use vaccinefinder.org to find a location near you, To file complaint about non-compliance with mask mandate, Hospital sees some COVID capacity relief but warns about New Year's, return to school, Moms ask school district to disavow NSBA letter labeling outspoken parents 'domestic terrorists', COVID outbreak reported at Latter-day Saint missionary training center, Year in review: Southern Utahs most read and notable stories of 2021, 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. Southwest Utah Public Health Department Cedar City office. 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 . In the meantime, Southwest. The governor said he made the decision after consulting with health and legislative leaders. Enter your email below to start! 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. Steven Dunham, the districts director of communications, confirmed with ABC4 News that several of their students tested positive for COVID-19 last week. 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. That said, after the state press conference, a move by the CDC showed the constantly changing nature of dealing with COVID-19. On Friday, Rep. Angela Romero, D-Salt Lake City, announced she has tested positive for the virus. After the initial two-week circuit-breaker order, mask mandates will only be in place for counties in the high category. 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. We encourage Salt Lake County residents and visitors to do these things, regardless of whether or not a mandate is in place," she said in a statement. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Wedgewood Lane. However, as the situation and science surrounding the coronavirus continues to evolve, its possible that some data has changed. Gary Herbert's latest COVID-19 health orders and mask mandate, which they think is the latest example of government overreach. In early August, after Salt Lake County Health Department executive director Dr. Angela Dunn proposed requiring masks for school children under the age of 12, county officials overturned it on a 6-3 vote. If a student tests positive, were taking that on a case by case basis, Dunham said. 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. He is the proud father of two boys, his youngest a champion against both autism and Type 1 diabetes. And the local health district is at a loss of why that is. Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2021, all rights reserved. The Utah Department of Health, however, reports that unvaccinated Utahns have been 2.4 times as likely to contract the virus during the omicron wave as vaccinated people have been. Cars lined up with people arriving for their appointment times to take a COVID-19 test at the TestUtah site at Dixie Tech in St. George, Utah, on Dec. 4, 2020. The Southwest Utah Public Health Department, which has been staying strictly with the Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccines since February, will be holding Pfizer-specific clinics in each of the five local counties starting next week, with reservations available at, Other local pharmacies may have the Pfizer vaccine in supply. The protest, which drew hundredsto the Washington County School District building in St. George, was held Aug. 21 in opposition to a school mask mandate required statewide by Utah Gov. Were unsure why Iron hasnt dropped as fast as Washington., Heaton said. Dunham was unable to reveal how many positive cases there are, the students ages or the schools they attend, or how many have needed to quarantine as a result. 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. "Its very frustrating to have the tools taken away that really impact our ability to keep our schools open, keep our kids safe, keep our learning going and really pay attention to our educators who are just at the breaking point.". According to a statement from Rio's port authority, the IRIS Makran and IRIS Dena warships both arrived on Sunday morning. We have 60, 70 or more people so thats certainly a component for us, Pettit said, referring to a statement by Associated Foods that says: Associated Foods feels it is imperative that masks be worn in our stores until our team and partners have had the opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. 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. "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. He has steadily moved east after growing up among the Valley girls of Southern Californias San Fernando Valley. Team members and vendors at all Lins stores will continue to wear masks and we urge our guests to wear masks while shopping with us.. The National Park Service also continues to monitor and. ST. GEORGE, Utah (ABC4) - Amid the vaccine mandate pause, leaders from Intermountain Healthcare are reporting 95% of caregivers have complied with the federal government requirement, but those in the 5% against it, tell ABC4 they're hoping to see a change. It will more likely take the form of enforcement of local health departments similar to how restaurants with food preparation violations or construction sites not in compliance with local ordinances are dealt with now. 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. This is something I talked about to my team a month and a half ago, Cox said. 10PM: SLC mayor clarifies city's new mask order . 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. FILE - A sign urging safety measures during the coronavirus pandemic is displayed in Teesto, Ariz., on the Navajo Nation on Feb. 11, 2021. Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? That order was renewed as recently as May 4. The. St. George Regional Hospital, St. George, Utah, March 13, 2021 | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News . Written by Porter Huntsman . What do we know about COVID-19s impacts on Southern Utahs wildlife? ST. GEORGE, Utah (ABC4 News) On No Mask Monday, the Washington County School District said students have a choice. The governor has also replaced the color-coded coronavirus risk level system that had been in place since April 17. "Effectively protecting our most vulnerable community membersand ensuring that our businesses and essential services have the staff necessary to operaterequires layering our various prevention tools; this includes being up to date on vaccine, staying home when ill, and wearing a respirator mask in public during this surge. A few days after the Washington County School District unilaterally decided to no longer enforce the states mask mandate for schools, Gov. My husband and my mother both died within the last six months either directly from COVID or the effects of COVID," she said. The Republican-led Salt Lake County Council voted to uphold the mandate last week. A county can move up a level on a weekly basis and would need to have two weeks of lower transmission rates and positive tests to move down a level. In its place will be a more data-driven COVID-19 Transmission Index that will divide counties into high, moderate and low transmission areas. Many national retail outlets that have continued mandatory masks locally even after the state ended the mask mandate are likely to make adjustments to their policies in the coming days. St. George Regional Hospital/Intermountain Healthcare: Where: 400 East Campus St. George Regional Hospital, 544 S. 400 East, St. George. Ketia Daniel, founder of BHM Cleaning Co., is BestReviews cleaning expert. There were no deaths locally Tuesday after there were three new fatalities reported Monday, including the first coronavirus death in Garfield County since July. The House of Representatives confirmed that Rep. Mark Strong, R-Bluffdale, had tested positive. Where: Southwest Utah Public Health Department Panguitch office, 601 Center St., Panguitch. We have stemmed the tide before, and we can do it again.. Council member Dea Theodore was pleased with the decision. Where: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Wedgewood Lane, 2015 N Wedgewood Lane, Cedar City. As two cities in Utah County are rolled back a color code due to an increased spread of the novel Coronavirus, Utah Gov. You may have become numb to the case counts and the warnings. It wont be a case anymore of a county needing to request the governor for a move to green as much as it will be where the county is in regard to the infection rate and the percent of local coronavirus tests that come back presently. Where: Revere Health Campus, 2825 E. Mall Drive, St. George. ST. GEORGE, Utah (ABC4) Washington County Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution, they are calling a Liberty Policy against lockdowns and mask mandates. Written by FELICIA FONSECA, The Associated Press. A weeks-old anti-mask protest in Utah has become the source of online backlash after a TV news report detailing the rally went viral on social media. Where: 1189 E. 700 Southin St. George and 3520 Pioneer Parkway in Santa Clara. But Im especially tired for those who have lost loved ones, Herbert said. ST. GEORGE With the statewide mask mandate set to lift Saturday, local school districts are reminding students and staff that the requirement for face coverings will remain in effect. Iron County suddenly the COVID-19 hotspot. Wear a mask correctly for maximum protection. Masks, quarantine, testing: Washington County school officials discuss COVID-19 Man who refused to wear mask on flight departing from Utah fined $10,500. With 14 new infections Friday, Cedar City saw the second-largest increase in the state for a city with less than 100,000 population. In addition to requiring a distance of at least 6 feet between each group or lone diners, the. | Photo by Drazen Zigic, iStock/Getty Images Plus, St. George News, Copyright 2010 - 2023 StGeorgeUtah.com LLC, all rights reserved. The order was reissued by then-Gov. site allows people to look specifically for sites within 25 miles with the Pfizer or other specific vaccines in stock. Where: 2610 Pioneer Rd. Where: Southwest Utah Public Health Department Kanab office, 445 N. Main St., Kanab. Weve had so many parents who have supported us from the very beginning.. St. George Regional Hospital/Intermountain Healthcare: Where: 400 East Campus St. George Regional Hospital, 544 S. 400 East, St. George. Another area not seeing any change by the state masks mandate ending are schools. "Voting to remove this mandate does not remove an individuals ability to wear a mask. That is no longer the case, as this week Iron County surged ahead of Washington County as far as new daily infections of COVID-19. 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. Utah healthcare workers respond to vaccine mandate enforcement pause. Events (69) Morning Show (1) News . I dont think anybody should be forced, to have to do anything, Im wearing a mask by choice because I just got out of the hospital myself, says Jacobs. 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. 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. He is the proud father of two boys, his youngest a champion against both autism and Type 1 diabetes. Local . 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. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, What is the risk of your child being exposed to COVID in school? Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Cox said at his weekly COVID-19 press conference at the State Capitol that he and his team were actually considering the action a month ago before the district made its move. Answer 1 of 8: Coming to St George then driving back to Denver in 2 weeks and wondering if masks are required in St George for vaccinated people. 5PM: Utah's statewide mask mandate ends tomorrow. 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. As a sports reporter and editor, he once compared shoe sizes with Shaq. CDC guidance for wearing masks website Clean and Disinfect Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. The CDC defines it as follows: "Natural immunity is acquired from exposure to the disease organism through infection with the actual disease.".