New COVID-19 restrictions are in effect in Utah, following a press conference with Gov. Gary Herbert on Tuesday.
State officials will no longer be using the red, orange, yellow, green risk scale to designate the severity of coronavirus spread different areas of Utah. Instead, areas will be classified as high, moderate or low transmission, based on a set of criteria that can be found on coronavirus.utah.gov.
With these new classifications come restrictions on gathering and face covering wearing.
“Simply put, scientific evidence shows us that mask wearing significantly reduces the transmission of the COVID-19 from person to person. For now, masks are required across all transmission levels when attending events of public gathering,” said Rich Saunders.
Rich Saunders is the director of the state health department. In addition to this new mask requirement, tighter social gathering restrictions are in place. Saunders said social gatherings are defined as gatherings of family and friends.
In high transmission areas, social gatherings are limited to 10 people. In moderate transmission areas, gatherings are limited to 25 people and in low transmission areas, gatherings are limited to 50.
“Our goal is not to separate families or friends or to remove fun and, and social things that are so important to humanity, said Saunders. "Our focus is right now during this pandemic, to make an adjustment because it makes a difference for our long-term future.”
Restrictions have also been placed on public gatherings—places like movie theatres or sports areas, or events likes weddings.
“There is less emphasis on defining how many people may attend an event of this type, and more emphasis on physical distancing and mask wearing while at these events. In counties designated as high transmission, attendance is limited based on the event organizer being able to ensure a six foot distance between household groups, all patrons, spectators and guests must wear masks,” said Saunders.
According to these new guidelines, Saunders said all businesses must operate under the same safety protocols.
