Association Urges Strict Compliance with Phased Guidelines and Urges Retailers to Consider Making Face Coverings Mandatory for Customers

The issue of mask wearing has become both politically and socially divisive. However, the medical data on this issue is compelling and shows that face coverings are an important tool in preventing the community spread of COVID-19. Specifically, when individuals are having close interactions (within 6 feet) and both are wearing face coverings, transmission rates for COVID-19 plummet.

During the past several weeks coronavirus cases in Utah have spiked. It is absolutely critical for our employees, businesses and citizens that we keep Utah’s economy open and that we don’t backslide. We can only do this if we are utilizing all appropriate safety measures to control the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. The majority of the State of Utah remains at the yellow threat level (Salt Lake City and portions of Southeast Utah are currently at orange).  As a reminder, at the yellow level, the State’s phased guidelines require all employees who will have interactions closer than 6-feet to wear a face covering.  As a practical matter this means nearly all employees in a retail setting would need to wear a mask while they are at work. We urge our members to ensure they are strictly compliant with this legal requirement. 

The association would also urge our members to consider taking all reasonable steps to require customers to wear face coverings while in your retail stores. While asking customers to wear face coverings is much more difficult and controversial it is key that we do all that we can to protect our team members and guests and ensure we are able to keep the economy open here in Utah.

Utah Releases Revised Budget Numbers and Previews Legislative Special Session


The State of Utah has released its new budget projection numbers. 

The Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst, Governors Office of Management and Budget and the state Tax Commission released consensus revenue projections last night that show Utah has a negative $850 million budget projection from the budget numbers released in February (February budget numbers are typically what the state budget is crafted to). 

Here’s the breakdown on last night’s projection: 

                                              One Time           Ongoing
General Fund                      -$26m                -$106m
Education Fund                  -$67m                -$651m
Total                                      -$93m                -$757m

The Legislature’s Executive Appropriation’s Committee will meet later today at 12:00 (MDT) to put forward a new state budget that is crafted towards the updated budget projection. The full legislature will then vote on the new budget in a special session that is scheduled to take place tomorrow and Friday. 

The legislature will address a host of issues in this special session in addition to the state budget. The governor included 26 total items on his proclamation to call the legislature into session. To view all of the items on the call please see the attached document to this email.

Utah Food Industry Association
4286 South Main Street
Murray, UT 84107


Utah Retail Merchants Association
4286 South Main Street
Murray, UT 84107