University of Utah will require masks this semester
Jan 12, 2022, 10:22 AM | Updated: 10:30 am
University of Utah announced the school will require masks on campus in the spring semester. Photo: University of Utah
SALT LAKE CITY — The University of Utah will require people to wear masks on campus in the spring semester. The University is following the Salt Lake County mask mandate even though Governor Spencer Cox says, as a state facility, it doesn’t have to.
The University announced it is following the recent Salt Lake County mask mandate and requiring masks on campus when indoors or gathering in large groups outside.
Masks are required on campus when indoors or gathering in large groups. #MaskUpUtah 😷 pic.twitter.com/EvQY8QXIBC
— University of Utah (@UUtah) January 10, 2022
However, according to Governor Cox, the University doesn’t have to follow the county’s mask order.
Gov. Cox said earlier this week that state buildings are exempt from following local health orders. He said local agencies don’t have the authority to make mandates for state buildings.
— Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox (@GovCox) January 10, 2022
The University of Utah is in Salt Lake County but it is a state facility. Chris Nelson, with the University, says even though the U of U doesn’t need to follow the mask order this semester, it will. The University is abiding with the mask order due to the surge in COVID-19 cases as the omicron variant spreads.
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