Utah’s largest county extends mask mandate until year’s end

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - A mask mandate in Utah's largest county, which includes Salt Lake City, has been extended until the end of the year.

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson signed an order extending the mandate through Dec. 31, Fox 13 reported Wednesday. The mandate requires face coverings in businesses and in public spaces where social distancing is not possible.

In July, Wilson said the county's mandate had led to a decline in new COVID-19 cases and called on Gov. Gary Herbert to order a statewide mask requirement.

The Republican governor has declined to enact a statewide order but has encouraged voluntary mask usage. Earlier this month, Herbert further streamlined the process for implementing local mask mandates so they would no longer need state approval.

Mandatory mask orders are also in place in Summit and Grand counties, as well as the cities of Logan and Springdale.