What do the CDC’s latest mask recommendations mean for Southern Utah?

ST. GEORGE — The CDC recently updated its mask recommendations, saying that mask usage could be relaxed in areas where hospitals are not under strain. So what does this mean for Southern Utah?

The CDC released a new “community level” tool (accessible here) that uses locally available COVID-19 data to make prevention recommendations. The tool looks at available hospital beds, hospital admissions, and total case numbers in an area.

According to the CDC, all five of the counties in southwest Utah are at a “medium” community level. From the CDC:

• If you are at high risk for severe illness, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions
• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines
• Get tested if you have symptoms

People may choose to mask at any time. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.

Recommendations for Southern Utah

Dave Heaton, spokesperson for the Southwest Utah Public Health Department, said southwestern Utah has seen a dramatic decline in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.

Two weeks ago, Intermountain Healthcare announced that the Utah National Guard would deploy to St. George to assist the understaffed hospital. But current numbers show hospitalizations and deaths are declining rapidly.

For Beaver, Iron, Kane, Garfield, and Washington counties, the Southwest Utah Public Health Department currently recommends:

• Wear a mask in indoor public spaces where social distancing is not possible.
• N95 masks provide the most protection, followed by surgical masks.
• Stay home if you have COVID or flu-like symptoms.
• Get tested if you are high risk.
• Get vaccinated or boosted.

Heaton said the SUPHD still recommends wearing masks in indoor public places where social distancing is not possible. According to Heaton, N95 masks offer the best protection, then surgical masks, and cloth masks may not be effective.

The SUPHD recommends that people with respiratory symptoms stay home, and also recommend COVID-19 testing for people with high-risk medical conditions or upcoming medical procedures, as well as some travelers.

Heaton also said the SUPHD recommends getting vaccinated or boosted if you have not already, especially if you are high risk. The SUPHD will still accept walk-in vaccination appointments. You can find more information on the SUPHD’s official website.

According to Heaton, southern Utah may soon drop all official mask recommendations due to declining COVID-19 numbers. The area currently has 29 hospitalizations due to COVID-19, a two-month low. Utah’s ICU capacity is currently around 78%, which is barely above what is considered an “emergency level.”

Heaton said Utah, including southwestern Utah, could see an end to all official COVID-19 public health restrictions as early as the end of March.