There are two basic requirements that must be met in order for people to be expected to comply with government regulation. The regulation must be rational and supported by scientific evidence; and the regulation must be applied equally to all residents (even those attending religious ceremonies).
So, finally, Gov. Gary Herbert’s too-little, too-late, post-election COVID-19 restrictions mandating mask wearing, social distancing, and limiting social gatherings were delivered on Sunday night.
Science reveals itself in strange ways in election years, and especially when businessmen and elected officials profess to know more about science than scientists. But at least the advice of the CDC and numerous Utah health officials has finally been followed in the latest announced restrictions. Well, at least partially, and with no apologies for the deaths and enduring harm caused by calculated, callous inaction.
But it seems there is a religious exemption that violates the second commandment of citizenry compliance with government regulation: Thou Shalt Not Play Favorites. Not even when it is politically expedient to do so. Not even when you risk the health of the nonreligious and stay-home populations to kowtow to your base and favor your in-person worshippers and church over state. No, not even then.
Phil Triolo, Salt Lake City