ALL NEWS

Utah pledges free masks for every Utahn

Apr 29, 2020, 5:32 AM | Updated: 9:01 am

utah free mask herbert memo Logan Mask...

File photo: Steve Griffin, Deseret News

SALT LAKE CITY — The state of Utah, along with the Utah Manufacturers Association, Cotopaxi and 20 other manufacturers have purchased 2 million face masks that will be available to any Utahn for free as part of their ‘Mask for Every Utahn‘ project.

The announcement was made Tuesday by Gov. Gary Herbert. He says that this is a step toward a temporary new normal as the state prepares for a soft reopening on Friday.

Utah goes from “red to orange” in plan to eventually reopen businesses

Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox says that the project is funded through the federal Coronavirus Aid Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The Utah companies are participating at cost.

The governor says that any Utahn can request a mask, free of charge, at coronavirus.utah.gov/mask/

Priority will be given to Utahns who are working in an essential industry and vulnerable populations, including anyone over the age of 65.

“We want to do everything we can as we work together as a state to combat COVID-19,”  Herbert said on Tuesday.

“Wearing a mask when we are out in public may not be convenient, but it can help slow the spread of the virus. Let’s all do our part in stopping the spread and helping to protect those around us.”

State leaders also emphasized that this program is meant to provide access to masks to those who don’t already have access to one.

“Residents shouldn’t take or request a mask if they already have access to one and should not collect multiple masks for multiple uses,” Cox said.

He continued, saying that this program will help save 200 Utah jobs, many of which are in rural communities.

Most of the masks will be made of regular fabrics, and the state says that they already have a number of masks ready to ship now,  it may take up to three weeks to receive the masks in their next batch.

Once the 2 million masks are distributed across Utah, Cox says the program will cease, saying the state does not have the funds to continue to support the program forever.

“If everyone is wearing a mask — a cloth mask, a bandana, etc. — the purpose changes to protect others,” Cox said.

Cox pointed to countries like Taiwan, Japan and the Czech Republic, among others, that have used widespread mask wear to help stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.

“If we are all wearing masks, we know the measure of spread will go down significantly,” he said.

 

 


How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronaviruses transmitted from person to person. It is a virus that is similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:

  • Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
  • Don’t touch your face.
  • Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet)
  • If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities.)
  • Get a flu shot.
  • Wear cloth masks or face coverings when you’re out in public

Local resources

KSL Coronavirus Q&A

Utah’s Coronavirus Information

UtahState Board of Education

Utah Hospital Association

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707

National Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization

Cases in the United States

 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

All News

A n3-year degree may be an option...

Amie Schaeffer

Utah students could soon earn bachelor’s degree in 3 years

College students may be able to graduate with a bachelors degree in three years in some industries.

40 minutes ago

Rain and snow expected Easter...

Adam Small

More rain and snow on it’s way for Easter

More rain and snow is headed to Utah on Thursday, and the wet weather is expected to hang around through Easter.

1 hour ago

Rep Phil Lyman shown, lyman dei comments came under scrutiny...

Emma Keddington

Rep. Phil Lyman defends post correlating DEI policies with Baltimore bridge collapse

Rep. Phil Lyman is defending a post made Tuesday, that said Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies had something to do with the Baltimore bridge collapse. 

2 hours ago

The Powder Baby Dry Shampoo team poses with its check after winning the 2024 Utah Entrepreneur Chal...

Logan Stefanich, KSL.COM

BYU student startup wins $30K at Utah Entrepreneur Challenge

BYU entrepreneur Kylee Black, who founded Powder Baby, said the cash prize will be instrumental in advancing her business.

3 hours ago

Utah Jazz Collin Sexton...

Ben Anderson

Jazz 3-18 Since Trade Deadline After Loss To Spurs

At 3-18 since the trade deadline, the Jazz now sit behind the 4-19 Portland Trail Blazers as the league’s worst team since February 8.

3 hours ago

Myrtle Spurge is often touted as deer-resistant and drought-tolerant, but the plant is rapidly inva...

Eliza Pace

Salt Lake County Health warns of harmful myrtle spurge plant

Myrtle spurge was originally introduced to Utah as a decorative plant but is an invasive species that has spread to natural areas.

4 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Utah pledges free masks for every Utahn