Now that Gov. Spencer Cox has signed HB294 and the state’s mask mandate is set to be lifted April 10, it’s imperative that Salt Lake County consider a new mandate. As of March 24, 24% of Utahns have had their first dose and a mere 13% are fully vaccinated. I’m a retail worker and not even scheduled to get my first dose until April 20.

Some say that folks will do the right thing and wear a mask without a government mandate, but I don’t trust it. I’ve seen too much reckless behavior in the past year, even with a mandate. Removing it will only serve to empower folks not to take proper precautions like masking and social distancing. Some private businesses will continue to require masks, but not all — and that is another good reason why we need an across-the-board mandate to continue.

We have made great strides in the battle against COVID-19, but it is far too early to relax our respective postures. It’s absolutely vital to protect our fellow Utahns and especially those who are more vulnerable — and the best way to do that is to keep the mandates around until science says otherwise.

Ryan D. Curtis

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Salt Lake City

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