Strong opinions continue to flow on social media in regards to the topic of masks in school with many locals pointing to Governor Herbert’s monthly news conference last week in what they feel supports their argument that masks should not be used in schools. A reporter asked Herbert if with cases at record highs in primarily Utah County if he was looking at any stricter statewide measures. Governor Herbert replied that as you look at some areas of the state like the Uintah Basin it wouldn’t make sense to have a statewide mask mandate because he said there is virtually no infections and no deaths. “There is not really any benefit to a statewide mask mandate in those parts of the state,” shared Herbert, saying that local government knows what is best and he doesn’t see the need to encompass Green areas of the state. Following the press conference and the subsequent outcry from locals wanting to end mask wearing in schools, the Uintah School District provided the following response: The Uintah School District is aware of Governor Gary Herbert’s response to a reporter’s questions about the need for a statewide mask mandate for all Utah residents. The governor’s comment has no bearing on the existing order that mandates masks in Utah’s K-12 schools. The order requiring masks in all K-12 schools was put in place by the Utah Department of Health on August 14th, 2020. The order is effective until 11:59 p.m. on December 31st, 2020, unless otherwise modified. As of today, the statewide order has not been modified…If anything changes with the mask mandate for schools, the district will work in consultation with the TriCounty Health Department to adopt the best, most reasonable precautions for our schools to help keep the spread of COVID-19 low. Duchesne County School District also replied, stating, “According to the Utah State Board of Education and TriCounty Health Department, the mask order is still active and applicable in our area until the Utah State Legislature or a court of sufficient jurisdiction overturns the Public Health Order issued by the State.”
