SALT LAKE CITY — Whilst Utah hit greater than 11,000 new COVID-19 circumstances on Thursday and Friday, the Utah State Legislature decided to terminate the mask mandate in both Salt Lake and Summit counties.
However the elimination of the mandate hasn’t saved some companies from persevering with to require masks within their venues.
The Inexperienced Pig Pub in Salt Lake Metropolis has an indication on their door saying face masks are required.
“We’d slightly play it secure than to have folks get sick once more, particularly our workers and the individuals who are available in right here,” stated Tiffani Thatcher, common supervisor on the Inexperienced Pig.
Thatcher says all 45 of her workers and those that step within the door should put on masks.
“We’ve restricted our seating to only to be having seated folks. They need to have a seat to be in right here, or until they’re actively consuming or consuming, they’re required to put on their masks,” she stated. “Mainly sitting at a desk, they don’t need to put on it.”
Thatcher says meaning about 80-85 folks could be inside at one time. Usually, she says, full capability could be 250 folks, if the patio was open.
This comes after the state legislature voted to wipe away the mandate, as COVID-19 circumstances proceed to surge in Utah and throughout the US.
READ: Over 11,000 COVID-19 cases reported Friday in Utah; 11 new deaths
A examine launched by the Heart for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) says the omicron variant accounts for greater than 99 p.c of coronavirus circumstances within the U.S.
“It’s actually a disaster — not only for the well being care staff which are overworked, however for all sufferers who doubtlessly have to be admitted to a hospital and cared for,” stated Dr. Jay Jacobson, an emeritus professor on the College of Utah.
That CDC examine additionally particulars the significance of booster pictures. It says getting boosted was 90 p.c efficient in stopping hospitalizations over the previous two months, when omicron has been thought of the dominant variant.
That is why Jacobson, who makes a speciality of infectious ailments, says it’s crucial that individuals get their booster shot and put on a masks.
“Even with what was thought of full vaccination or two doses, safety towards omicron has not been nearly as good as we had hoped, however with a booster dose, it turns into wonderful,” he stated. “Anyone who’s fearful about transmitting an aerosol-dependent respiratory virus could be smart to put on a masks.”
Thatcher says her workers and even clients have been grateful that they’ve continued to take security precautions.
“I haven’t had anyone complain about it,” she stated. “The purchasers are grateful, clearly we’re full, so it isn’t hurting us.”
Thatcher says they will see how issues work over the subsequent few weeks earlier than deciding if any adjustments to their masks requirement will probably be made.
