Utah gov exempts state Capitol, facilities from mask mandate

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — GOP Gov. Spencer Cox exempted from a mask mandate the Utah Capitol and other state facilities Monday as conservative lawmakers prepared to begin meeting for the year, but the Salt Lake County mayor is pushing back. Democratic Mayor Jenny Wilson says Cox doesn’t have the authority to create exemptions from the 30-day order issued as the omicron variant powers a punishing surge of the coronavirus. Cox stood by the guidance emailed by his office, which says masks are encouraged but not required in most state facilities. He said local governments rules don’t cover state buildings.