SALT LAKE CITY – In a continued effort to prevent and limit the spread of COVID-19 in Salt Lake City, Mayor Erin Mendenhall issued a second emergency proclamation Thursday afternoon prohibiting mass gatherings of over 100 individuals within City limits.
“Now is the time to draw a clear line that gets us out as far ahead of this pandemic as possible. My hope is that by taking these bold measures we are able to stem the tide of transmissions and limit the impact on our City, our residents, our emergency systems and healthcare facilities,” Mayor Mendenhall said. “This is a proclamation that can evolve and can be re-signed in order to further meet our City’s emergency needs in the days and weeks ahead.”
The proclamation also allows the City’s boards and commissions to convene public meetings electronically, and directs that the City will not turn off water service for failure to pay a water bill during the term of the proclamation.
“We know that this virus is rapidly changing the way our world operates. As the capital city, we will be as prepared, nimble and innovative as is necessary to protect our city’s people and continue the basic day-to-day critical services in this time of change,” Mayor Mendenhall said.
“Mass gathering” is any event or convening that brings together 100 or more people in a single room or single space at the same time, such as an auditorium, stadium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall, theater, or any other confined indoor or confined outdoor space.
“Mass gathering” does not include normal operations at airports, shopping malls and centers, or other spaces where 100 or more persons may be in transit. It also does not include courts; churches or church performances; libraries; hospitals/medical centers or other health care facilities; treatment centers (both inpatient and outpatient); facilities housing individuals experiencing homelessness; schools or school cafeterias or other child care facilities; typical office environments; retail stores; restaurants; or grocery stores. A “mass gathering” also does not include an establishment where large numbers of people are present, but where it is unusual for them to be within arm’s length of one another.
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