PROVO, Utah (AP) — City officials in Utah have unanimously passed an ordinance in Provo mandating people wear facial coverings indoors and outdoors in public areas and at large gatherings during the pandemic.
The Provo Municipal Council voted Tuesday during its second special public meeting on the citywide mandate, The Daily Herald reported. People who violate the ordinance will receive a citation and $500 fine.
However, Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi announced plans to veto the mandate. She argued against creating a law. Kafusi will now have 15 days to either sign or veto the ordinance. If she does nothing, the mandate will take effect at the end of the 15 days.
The ordinance will require face masks in areas accessible to the public and require businesses to post that customers must wear masks at the door. The masks must cover the nose and mouth at all times.
Inside gatherings of more than 50 people with or without masks will be prohibited and outdoor gatherings of 25 or more people must wear masks even with social distancing options, including family gatherings.
Some have argued that the mandate will limit individual freedoms and create additional struggles for business owners.
City officials said an unofficial survey of more than 2,600 residents showed about 60% wanted a mask mandate and 72% said the public has a responsibility to wear a mask in public.
