Public Health and Economic Emergency Commission Emphasizes the Importance of Wearing Masks
SALT LAKE CITY – On June 25, the Public Health and Economic Emergency Commission unanimously recommended the governor designate a portion of the $1 million for the COVID-19 Outreach and Education Program* to directly emphasize the importance of wearing a mask. The Utah Legislature allocated these funds to the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development during the June 2020 special session.
The Commission fully supports the governor’s encouragement for all Utahns to do their part and emphasizes the need to wear a mask in public during this health crisis.
“I encourage Utahns to wear masks to help protect neighbors, friends, families and communities,” said Sen. Dan Hemmert, co-chair of the Commission. “Wearing a mask is a simple act to protect vulnerable populations and livelihoods. If wearing a mask means we can continue to lighten other restrictions we’re living under, economic and otherwise, and it means our kids can go back to school this fall, I’m happy to wear a mask.”
“Studies indicate that wearing a mask significantly decreases an individual’s likelihood of getting COVID-19,” said Jefferson Burton, co-chair of the Commission. “This simple act can help Utah stay safe and stay open.
Furthermore, state leaders, health officials and economic advisors are continually working to obtain additional COVID-19 data. The Commission unanimously voted to make the additional data public and send notifications when information is updated.
###
Public Health and Economic Emergency Commission Members
Jefferson Burton, Department of Health, co-chair
Sen. Dan Hemmert, co-chair
Brandy Grace, Utah Association of Counties
President Stuart Adams
Rep. Mike Schultz
Steve Starks, Larry H. Miller Corporation
Dr. Michael Good, University of Utah Health (nonprofit hospital)
Brian Dunn, Steward Healthcare (for-profit hospital)
Derek Miller, Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce
Mark Bouchard, Community Leader
*During the June 2020 special session, the Utah Legislature passed H.B. 5010 COVID-19 Economic Recovery Program, designating the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development to create a public awareness campaign to help inform the public on health guidelines.
Tags: COVID-19, Public Health and Economic Emergency Commission