Republican Utah Gov. Gary Herbert committed to providing every citizen in Utah with facial personal protective equipment.
On Tuesday, Herbert and Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox announced a program entitled “A Mask for Every Utahn,” which would distribute masks to any resident of the state unable to obtain them.
“With the critical role that masks will play in the next phases of recovery, the state will provide one mask to each resident who needs one through various distribution channels. It will also mail, upon request and free of charge, up to six masks to each Utah residential address. Priority for masks is given to essential employees returning to work and vulnerable populations, such as those who are over 65 years of age,” the press release said.
The state partnered with the Utah Manufacturers Association and Cotopaxi, an outdoor apparel company, to purchase a total of 2 million masks. The project is funded by the federal CARES Act.
“We want to do everything we can as we work together as a state to combat COVID-19,” said Herbert. “Wearing a mask when we are out in public may not be convenient, but it can help slow the spread of the virus. Let’s all do our part in stopping the spread and helping to protect those around us.”
The endeavor will reportedly keep over 200 Utah citizens employed through the state’s manufacturing sector.
Utah currently has over 4,400 confirmed coronavirus cases with 45 deaths, according to the New York Times.
