Many cities and counties have chosen to keep their own mask mandates in place at this time despite Gov. Doug Ducey’s lifting of the restrictions relating to COVID-19 in the state of Arizona.
With the executive order being enacted on March 25, several counties and cities like Phoenix are still continuing to keep their mask mandate in city or government buildings affect for the time being.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego stressed in a statement and a following tweet that protecting public health must come first, and that masks are the best and fastest way to fully reopen and recover.
I stand with the majority of the council who agree that @dougducey unilateral decision to order cities to abandon mask requirements is a case of significant government overreach. Protecting public health must come first. Masks are the best & fastest way to fully reopen & recover. pic.twitter.com/XxtMuEG0rk
— Mayor Kate Gallego (@MayorGallego) April 6, 2021
“I stand with the majority of the council who agree that the governor’s unilateral decision to order cities to abandon mask requirements is a case of significant government overreach.”
Like Phoenix, many cities and counties across Maricopa County like Mesa, Peoria, Buckeye, Scottsdale, Avondale are among others that will still require facial coverings to be worn inside government or city buildings.
Though these cities and counties cannot enforce mask wearing with businesses anymore, it hasn’t put a stop a certain few attempting to keep the mandate in affect wherever they can.
Tucson, Flagstaff and Pima County are requiring its citizens to wear masks in public, especially when social distancing isn’t possible, though enforcement is varied.
While many of these cities and counties are continuing their mask mandate in some capacity, a few cities are following suite in relaxing COVID restrictions on all fronts.
Gilbert, Goodyear, Surprise, and Chandler are not requiring masks to be worn in public or city buildings, though they are encouraged by Gilbert Mayor Bridgette Peterson as he said in a written statement.
“We are encouraged by the decreased number of COVID-19 cases and I encourage residents to continue to protect themselves and their families by following the guidance of the CDC and the Arizona Department of Health Services.”
As most cities and counties are sticking to the mandates they have while others are relaxing their own restrictions, it will ultimately be up to the local businesses in Arizona to decide if they will enforce mask wearing in their establishments.
Though now the guidelines for around mask wearing and social distancing are now only recommendations, Gov. Doug Ducey’s order says businesses are still able to require them if they want.
“These entities still maintain the right to institute and enforce policies to mitigate against COVID-19 spread including the use of face coverings and physical distancing, and retain the right to refuse service to those who do not comply with the policies.”
Some health experts warn that the coronavirus pandemic in the United States has not yet subsided and are encouraging mask wearing to stay as a requirement until far more US citizens get vaccinated.
The Health System Alliance of Arizona said in a statement about Ducey’s order, that COVID mitigation still works and that people all over the country should continue to follow the proposed guidelines by health experts.
“Arizona would not be in the position it is in right now without the combination of reduced business capacity, mask mandates, and social distancing requirements. We urge Arizonans to continue to follow CDC guidelines to reduce community spread and alleviate the additional burden on our health care delivery system.”
Contact the reporter at jaross@asu.edu.
