Gov. Doug Ducey and the Arizona Department of Health Services rescinded orders that require K-12 schools to mandate masks.
On July 3, 2020, Ducey issued an executive order, which stated, “all school districts and charter schools shall develop and implement a policy to require face coverings,” but Ducey recently rescinded orders that require K-12 schools to mandate masks to be in alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance.
“Teachers, families and students have acted responsibly to mitigate the spread of the virus and protect one another, and our school leaders are ready to decide if masks should be required on their campuses. We will continue to work with public health professionals and Arizona’s schools as more students return to the classroom and our state moves forward,” Ducey said.
CATCH UP: Masks to stay on in public schools despite state mandate ending
K-12 school districts and charter schools maintain the right to institute and enforce policies to protect against the COVID-19 spread, including the use of masks.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman said that Ducey’s order, “destabilizes school communities as they end what has arguably been the most challenging year for education.”
My statement on the legislature’s passage of #SB1456. I urge Governor @dougducey to veto this bill and encourage the legislature to focus on more pressing issues. pic.twitter.com/jOvM5ovoxx
— Kathy Hoffman (@Supt_Hoffman) April 14, 2021
Despite Ducey’s announcement, numerous school districts in Arizona have announced that their mask mandates will remain in place.
Phoenix Union High School District said the mask policy will remain in effect for all students, staff and visitors, as “districts still have the right to enforce masks and other mitigation policies in their schools.”
Arizona schools are encouraged to continue to take actions that are consistent with CDC recommendations. To minimize the spread of the virus, measures such as washing hands with soap and warm water, using hand sanitizer, cleaning and maintaining health facilities, and staying home when sick are encouraged.
An indoor vaccination site at the Northern Arizona University Fieldhouse launched. The site is expected to operate seven days a week from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. It will offer around 1,000 appointments per day but will be able to administer more than 4,000 doses daily. The state is currently operating six vaccination sites. one more location will be opening as a state-run site this month.
“Across the state, almost 4.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered,” said ADHS Director Dr. Cara Christ. “Many families and communities are further protected from COVID-19, and our schools are ready to decide their next steps when it comes to masks. We encourage all Arizonans to get the vaccine — it’s safe, effective and absolutely free to the public.”
Information about vaccination sites in Arizona, including pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers, pop-up events in specific communities, and health care providers offering vaccination, can be found at azhealth.gov/findvaccine.
Contact the reporter at amlay3@asu.edu.
