Davis County leaders feeling pressure to increase mask wearing, mull possible requirement

Jun 30, 2020, 10:12 AM | Updated: 10:15 am

File photo: Getty Images.

Former Reporter

DAVIS COUNTY, Utah — Some leaders in Davis County are under increasing pressure to adopt a public mask-wearing requirement as cases of COVID-19 continue to spike in their county. In fact, over the last 22 days, the number of cases has more than doubled.

Davis County discussion

Dawn Fitzpatrick, a member of the Layton City Council, already posted a video to address rising numbers.

“We are not requiring masks, but we are requesting that you wear them out of courtesy for your family and friends and the community of Layton,” she says.

Likewise, the Davis County Health Department seems to be taking a similar stance.

“Everyone needs to feel a sense of personal responsibility to social distance from each other,” explains Trevor Warner, communications manager for the department. “If they can’t do that, then please, put on a mask. Keeping a distance from each other and wearing a mask are things you do not just to protect yourself, but to protect your neighbors, your colleagues and your loved ones.”

Surging cases

The number of COVID-19 cases in Davis County continues to surge. They hit a record number last week with 250 new cases. That’s up from 203 the week prior. For context, they only had 109 new cases in the week ending June 13 and just 26 for the week ending May 2.

In neighboring counties, the number of cases is also going up. Weber-Morgan Health Department reports they had 197 new coronavirus cases last week, which is up from 152 the week before. It comes after having just 19 for the week ending May 2. In fact, since June 6, the case count has more than doubled in the two-county area.

Lori Buttars, the Weber-Morgan Health Department spokesperson, isn’t mentioning a mask-wearing requirement specifically but noted the move made in Salt Lake County is certainly playing a role in their thought process.

“We’re exploring ways of how to increase compliance,” she explains. “The conversations are happening.”

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.