Gov. Cox seems to have missed the fact that at over 12,000 cases per 100K, Utah has the fourth highest COVID-19 infection rate in the nation. He has so far ignored President Biden’s plea to state officials to continue the mask mandate.
Wearing masks is still critical to prevent the spread of many COVID-19 mutations that are even more infectious than the original virus, including the dangerous U.K. variant which is now the dominant COVID strain in the US. Wearing a mask is not a big deal but getting COVID-19 is.
There is scientific fact behind doctors wearing masks since 1920 and being incredibly careful to minimize the transmission of disease during surgery and while in the hospital. It is not difficult to comprehend that everyone has a personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from spreading COVID-19.
The governor’s irresponsible solution to this serious health problem is to declare premature victory and remove the mask mandate on April 10 which will result in preventable deaths and increased infection rates of COVID-19.
The governor should realize how critical it is to comply with President Biden’s call to state and local officials to “please” reinstate the mask mandate.
Scot Morgan, Salt Lake City