49ers Use Play By Former Utah DB Marcus Williams To Encourage People To ‘Grab A Face Mask’

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The San Francisco 49ers took advantage of a penalty committed in-game by former Utah defensive back and current New Orleans Saints safety Marcus Williams to encourage people to “grab a face mask.”

The Niners posted a video clip of Williams grabbing the face mask on the helmet of San Francisco tight end George Kittle during a game.

“Be a saint. Grab a face mask,” the 49ers posted via the team’s official Twitter account.

Be a saint. Grab a face mask. #YourActionsSaveLives | https://t.co/hD8sWb8My0 pic.twitter.com/1dytdNkusR

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) July 2, 2020

#MaskUpUtah Campaign

Recently multiple athletic programs at Utah joined the #MaskUpUtah social media campaign

The #MaskUpUtah initiative began on Tuesday, June 23, one day after a memo from state epidemiologist Dr. Angela Dunn said Utah has entered the acceleration phase of the pandemic and state leaders should take action to avoid a “complete shutdown.”

Utah football shared a video on social media of players and coaches sporting face masks on campus along with the caption, “#MaskUpUtah.”

#MaskUpUtah pic.twitter.com/UVlRzJmzSp

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) June 26, 2020

The Red Rocks also joined the campaign and shared a message from Utes gymnast Sydney Soloski.

“I wear a mask to protect our 15,000 fans,” Soloski said.

#MaskUpUtah 😷🙌 pic.twitter.com/LfvGXZgNRw

— Utah Gymnastics (@UtahGymnastics) June 26, 2020

#MaskUpUtah

The Utah Hospital Association and the state’s largest health care systems are joining forces to encourage Utahns to wear face coverings and help slow the spread of COVID-19 during the pandemic.

“As healthcare leaders, we earnestly request the public’s help in curbing the significant increase in COVID cases in Utah,” said Greg Bell, UHA president and CEO. “Masking up is an important way everyone can help. Think of someone you love or care for; wear a mask for them. If we all wear our mask regularly when out in public or at work, we can bend the curve, protect our vulnerable loved ones and keep Utah’s health care resources readily available for all.”

Representatives from Intermountain Healthcare, MountainStar Healthcare, Steward Healthcare and University of Utah Health said they were concerned about Utah’s rise in cases and wearing face masks “can make a significant difference in helping to reduce transmission of the virus.”

“A lot of misinformation has been spreading recently about facial masking. However, clinicians agree that face coverings, when worn appropriately, block most infectious droplets originating from the individual wearing the face covering. Thus, blocking transmission into the community,” they said.

About Marcus Williams

Williams played defensive back at the University of Utah from 2014-16.

As a true freshman in 2014, he saw action in 13 games and started in six contests. In 2015, he was awarded First-team All-Pac-12 honors. After his junior season, Williams declared for the NFL Draft.

Williams finished his Utah career having appeared in 37 games. He posted 189 total tackles, 125 solo tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, 19 pass breakups, 11 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries as a Ute.

He was selected by the New Orleans Saints with the No. 42 overall pick during the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

In 46 regular season games, Williams has accounted for 183 total tackles, 144 solo tackles, 1 sack, 23 pass breakups, 10 interceptions, and a touchdown.

Pro Football Focus recently ranked Williams among the top 25 players in the NFL under the age of 25.

Coronavirus Resources

• Have you or a family member been affected by coronavirus issues in Utah? KSL TV wants to hear from you. Contact KSL by emailing [email protected].
• What is COVID-19? Here’s What You Need To Know To Stay Healthy
• What We Know And Don’t Know About The Coronavirus
• Four Common Coronavirus Questions Answered
• The latest coronavirus stories from KSL TV can be found at our Staying Safe: Coronavirus section.
• Your Life Your Health: How can parents prepare their home, children against coronavirus?

How Do I Prevent It?

The CDC has some simple recommendations, most of which are the same for preventing other respiratory illnesses or the flu:

• Avoid close contact with people who may be sick
• Avoid touching your face
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

How To Get Help

If you’re worried you may have COVID-19, you can contact the Utah Coronavirus Information Line at 1-800-456-7707 to speak to trained healthcare professionals. You can also use telehealth services through your healthcare providers.

Additional Resources

If you see evidence of PRICE GOUGING, the Utah Attorney General’s Office wants you to report it. Common items in question include toilet paper, water, hand sanitizer, certain household cleaners, and even cold medicine and baby formula. Authorities are asking anyone who sees price gouging to report it to the Utah Division of Consumer Protection at 801-530-6601 or 800-721-7233. The division can also be reached by email at [email protected].