Given the rise in COVID-19 cases throughout Arizona, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and the City Council issued a declaration that requires people to cover their nose and mouth whenever they are away from their home or residence and unable to physically distance.
The declaration goes into effect on Saturday, June 20, 2020 at 6 a.m. and requires every person in the city of Phoenix, ages six and over, shall cover their nose and mouth whenever they are away from their home or residence and within six feet of another person who is not a member of their family or household.
Businesses whose employees interact with the public must require employees to wear face coverings. Businesses also have the right to refuse service to anyone not wearing a face covering.
This requirement was enacted on Friday, June 19, 2020, by the city of Phoenix Mayor and City Council by a declaration necessary to public safety and welfare, in particular to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is considered a face covering?
A face covering is considered any type of fabric or cloth that can safely cover your nose and mouth. These can be store-bought (mask, scarf or bandana) or home-made using traditional fabrics used for clothing and other materials (cotton, poly-blends, etc.) A face covering must cover the nose and mouth. Learn more about face coverings and how to wear them.
CDC Cloth Face Covering PDF
CDC How To Wear Your Face Covering PDF
Who is required to wear a face covering?
All people in the city of Phoenix, ages 6 and older, shall have possession of a face covering described in the Arizona Department of Public Health Face Covering Guidance issued on May 21, 2020. This declaration says people are to use them when away from their homes and whenever they are within six feet of another person who is not a member of their family or household.
Who are exempt from wearing a face covering?
· Those with a medical condition, mental health condition, developmental disability, or are otherwise covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
· Children under six years old.
· People whose religious beliefs prevent them from wearing a face covering.
· Restaurant patrons while they are eating and/or drinking.
· Individuals exercising outdoors or while walking or exercising with other people from the same household, if physical distancing of 6 feet from others who are not your family members can be maintained.
· People engaging in organized group or team sports, exercise or other physical activities where it is not practicable or feasible to wear a mask or physically distance.
· People in settings where it is not practical or feasible to wear a face covering, including when obtaining or rendering goods or services, such as the receipt of dental services or medical treatments.
Do I need to wear a face covering when I am exercising?
· No, persons exercising outdoors, or while walking or exercising with other persons of the same household, as long as physical distancing of 6 feet from others is maintained do not have to wear a face covering. People are not expected to wear a mask while swimming. Physical distancing should be adhered to as much as possible in pool settings.
· Persons exercising indoors must wear a face covering when it is difficult or impossible to maintain physical distancing of 6 feet.
I work outside, do I need to wear a mask?
· People working outside while following CDC guidelines and adhering to physical distancing of 6 feet do not need to wear the mask.
What do I do if I go out to eat?
· Restaurant patrons do not have to wear a mask when they are eating or drinking at their table or seating area.
· Restaurants should be making every effort to provide physical distancing of 6 feet in their seating areas.
· Restaurant staff must be wearing masks.
I had COVID-19 but am recovered, so do l need to wear a face covering?
· Yes. The medical community is unclear at this time if having recovered from COVID-19 provides future immunity.
How will this requirement be enforced?
· We intend to lead with education and providing information to the community.
· Officers will work to educate the public on this order and when possible will have masks on hand to provide to people who do not have one.
· Upon complaint, available officers will share information with residents who are not in compliance with the order. This will include CDC guidelines suggesting wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where social distancing is difficult to maintain.
See Impacted Services Update to learn what’s impacted or closed and what’s still operating with city services and facilities.
