SALT LAKE CITY — Concerns about coronavirus have prompted House Speaker Brad Wilson to institute a "no handshake" rule at the Utah State Capitol for the remainder of the legislative session.
Speaker Wilson, R-Kaysville, instituted the rule during floor time in the Utah House of Representatives on Tuesday. He told lawmakers it was done in response to coronavirus. The Speaker, Senate President and other legislative leaders met with Governor Gary Herbert to be briefed on the state's response to COVID-19.
"The state is doing everything it can to be prepared for what is likely to come," he said, urging lawmakers to do what they can to make sure "it doesn't start here."
"If you are ill, or your intern is ill, please don't come in," Speaker Wilson said. "In all sincerity, we love you and we just hope everyone can be safe and healthy the rest of the session."
He praised lawmakers for using hand sanitizer on their desks and urged them to wash their hands.
Signs are now popping up at the Capitol advertising the "no handshake" rule.
