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As COVID-19 cases continue to soar in Utah, some protest mask mandate

Posted at 9:02 PM, Nov 15, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-15 23:22:33-05

OREM, Utah — Dozens of people gathered outside Gov. Gary Herbert’s home in Orem Sunday demanding an end to the mask mandate.

Last week, Gov. Herbert implemented a statewide mask mandate, along with other new restrictions as part of an emergency order.

Sunday, dozens of anti-mask protesters showed up at the governor’s home in Orem.

A spokesperson for the Orem Police Department said it was a peaceful protest and no one was arrested. Charges are not expected to be brought against protesters, the spokesperson said.

Protesters also showed up at Governor-elect and Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox’s home, according to his Twitter. Protesters were offered cookies and hot chocolate.

Medical leaders continue to ask Utahns to mask up and follow mandates to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

“If the population who is not masking up and distancing does not start doing that, I am very fearful of where we are going to be in a couple of months,” said Dr. Katie Thomas, the associate medical director at Intermountain Medical Center.

Hallie Rector, a registered nurse and nurse administrator of Intermountain LDS Hospital, said health care workers are working incredibly hard dealing with the surge of COVID-19.

“At this point in time, we need to really think about how this is impacting everyone,” she said.

For more information on COVID-19 in Utah, click here.