SALT LAKE CITY – Masks to stop the spread of COVID-19 will continue to be needed at the state level for next month based on a new public health order that went into effect on Tuesday; however, the state health department offered a new perspective on when this requirement will be raised in “low transmission” areas.
The order, issued by Utah Health Department Executive Director Rich Saunders, also provides enhanced testing, which will be required for unique extracurricular activities and a “stay to stay” policy for a K-12 school to remain open. after an epidemic. It also eases some restrictions for bars and public gatherings in areas with “moderate” transmission.
Saunders signed the new state health order Monday night. It replaces the previous order, which entered into force on 21 January and expired on Monday evening. The new public health order will remain in force until March 25.
While the masks will remain in effect next month, the health department says counties with “low” transmission levels will be able to eliminate the requirement eight weeks after the department was given 1.63 million first doses of COVID vaccine. -19.
It is currently unclear exactly when that timeline will begin. To date, just over 444,000 Utahns have been allocated and more than 400,000 Utahns have received their first dose of vaccine, according to the Utah Department of Health.
Meanwhile, the order requires a “play test” for “a once-sponsored extracurricular” at high school. There are events like social dances and they come into play before the typical prom season.
It also requires “testing to stay” measures for school districts following an outbreak at a school.
“If the school implements ‘Test to Stay,’ any student who tests positive must go on to distance learning for 10 days from the date of the test,” the health department said. “Students who choose not to be tested should also switch to distance learning for 10 days if less than 60% of the school population has participated in the test event OR if the percentage of positivity in the test event is 2.5% or more. “
The other big changes take place at bars or at any public gatherings in counties with a “moderate” transmission level. The order stipulates that any bar in areas with “moderate” transmission must no longer limit capacity to 75%, but masks are still required and groups must remain at least 6 feet apart.
Live events – from weddings to theaters and sporting events – in these areas may include “side by side” seats if “all customers wear masks and can certify that they are free of COVID-19 symptoms and are not quarantined or isolated.” added the health department.
Masks are still needed, unless someone is eating or drinking. A distance of six meters is also required during food and drink periods. If someone gives positive results after the event, the hosts are also required to contact participants who may have been in close contact with that person.
As of Tuesday, 13 counties in the state are listed as “moderate” or “low” transmissions. These include Box Elder, Carbon, Daggett, Duchesne, Garfield, Millard, Morgan, Piute, Rich, San Juan, Uintah, Wayne and Weber counties.
This story will be updated.