SALT LAKE CITY — Gov. Gary Herbert issued an executive order Saturday to place Utah under a State of Emergency again as the previous order was set to expire the same day.
The governor's office cited recent increases in novel coronavirus cases — the state reported more than 1,000 cases on both Friday and Saturday — in renewing the order.
It will remain in effect until Oct. 20 unless extended by the State Legislature. It may also be rescinded before then if "the threat of danger has passed or reduced to the extent that emergency conditions no longer exist."
Click here to read the full order.
The order did not include a statewide mask mandate, although the governor has said the option remains "on the table."
Saturday's announcement added that "phased health guideline changes and mask mandates will be issued as public health orders under the Utah Department of Health."
- Related story: Gov. Herbert warns of stricter COVID-19 restrictions
The announcement from Herbert's office added that he "will only take certain executive actions, such as suspending statutes, if asked to do so by the Public Health and Economic Emergency Commission." Click here to read his letter to House Speaker Brad Wilson and Senate President Stuart Adams.
The governor also issued orders to renew certain statute and rule suspensions, including (each full order is linked):
- Allowing businesses with licenses from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to keep their licenses if they close down temporarily
- Suspending some requirements for using telehealth services
- Suspending requirements that parole hearings be open to in-person participation
- Retired State employees of less than one year can return to work on COVID-19 related issues without jeopardizing their retirement benefits
