SALT LAKE CITY-Late Tuesday afternoon, the Utah Senate has passed a resolution to overturn county mask orders in Salt Lake and Summit Counties.

The orders had been issued January 7 because of concerns in the surge of coronavirus cases caused by the omicron variant. It is slated to run through February 7.

The vote was 22-5 to terminate the orders.

SBJ003, a joint resolution to terminate public health orders pertaining to face coverings, is sponsored by Republican Sen. Daniel McCay of Riverton and was initially directed at the Salt Lake County order.

A short debate occurred after which a substitute resolution was adopted to include the Summit County mask order, or any other order issued by local health departments and approved by county mayors or councils.

This resolution occurred less than an hour into the 2022 Utah legislative session.

BREAKING: SJR3, which would overturn recent mask mandates in the state, passes the Utah Senate 22 to 5 and moves to the House of Representatives for a vote. #utpol @KUTV2News

— Daniel Woodruff (@danielmwoodruff) January 18, 2022

McCay, during media availability, reported he filed the resolution because his constituents did not want the government telling them what to do.

Furthermore, during the surge of the omicron variant, McCay shared his beliefs that masks did not work.

McCay also told of his 7-year-old daughter being in tears because of the potential prospects of wearing a  mask again.

The deciding vote was cast by Council Chair Laurie Stringham who adamantly declared she is not in favor of mask mandates.

Salt Lake County epidemiologist Dr. Angela C. Dunn and Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson expressed their disappointment in remarks thereafter.

Because this must still move to the House of Representatives for a vote, it is  not a certain thing as of yet.