Multiple cities across Arizona announce plans to implement face mask requirements

PHOENIX — Several local leaders across Arizona have begun their plans to implement face mask requirements in their cities or towns.

On Wednesday, Governor Doug Ducey announced that local governments were allowed to set their own face mask mandates if they so choose.

Immediately following the announcement, multiple officials from cities across the state expressed their intentions to implement requirements for face coverings in public.

MARICOPA COUNTY - The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has passed a proclamation Friday night, making it a requirement to wear face coverings across the entire county in public. The proclamation will into effect at midnight on Saturday, June 20, 2020. Read more here.

PHOENIX - During a meeting Friday, councilmembers approved a mandatory mask ordinance, with some exceptions. Read more here.

TUCSON - Tucson Mayor Regina Romero tweeted that she is working with the Tucson City Attorney to include a face mask requirement in their emergency proclamation.

TEMPE - Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell issued an emergency proclamation Thursday to require that all individuals within the City of Tempe, with limited exceptions, wear face coverings in public settings to protect themselves and others from contracting COVID-19. Read the full proclamation here.

SURPRISE - A Declaration of Emergency Proclamation requires face coverings within the City of Surprise with limited exceptions.

Effective Saturday, June 20, every person over the age of two is required to wear a face covering while in all public settings within the City of Surprise where it is difficult to maintain a minimum physical distance of six feet from others who do not live in the same residence. This includes, but is not limited to, grocery stores, retail stores, pharmacies, restaurants and bars (when not seated at a table), recreational facilities, libraries, public transportation, public places where lines or crowds form, and special events. Read the proclamation here.

PEORIA - Mayor Cathy Carlat issued a proclamation requiring individuals in the City of Peoria wear facial coverings in public places where social distancing is not possible. This proclamation is effective Monday, June 22, at 6 a.m. Read the full proclamation here.

GILBERT - The Town of Gilbert voted Friday morning, approving the amendment of their emergency proclamation mandating face masks for residents with education by the Gilbert Police Department. People will be required to wear masks when gathered outside and inside public places, and six-foot social distancing is not possible. Kids ages 2-6 are the exception to the rule. The requirements begin Friday at 5 p.m. Read the full proclamation here.

CHANDLER - Mayor Kevin Hartke announced on Friday that face masks are required effective immediately for people over the age of six.

SCOTTSDALE - The City of Scottsdale announced Thursday that Mayor W.J. 'Jim' Lane has issued an "emergency proclamation" requiring people to "cover their nose and mouth in most public areas except for individuals or small groups in parks or for outdoor exercise when physical distancing can be maintained."

"We cannot afford another shutdown of businesses or restaurants,” said Mayor Lane. "So we need each individual to make responsible decisions for the sake of our entire community - wear your mask when out in public."

In addition to the mask regulation, Scottsdale’s emergency order also encourages establishments that allow for the consumption of alcohol on their premises to limit their occupancy to 50 percent to allow for better social distancing.

Scottsdale's emergency proclamation goes into effect at 5 p.m. Friday, June 19. To read the full proclamation, click here.

MESA - Mayor John Giles issued a proclamation Saturday requiring, with some exceptions, face coverings to be worn in Mesa.

AVONDALE - Avondale Mayor Kenn Weise is implementing a local order mandating face coverings effective Sunday, June 21. Employees and customers will be required to wear face coverings in all retail establishments, convenience stores, grocery stores, pharmacies, gyms, indoor sports or activity facilities, and medical offices in the city.

Read the full proclamation here.

GLENDALE - The mayor of Glendale announced that he was calling an "Emergency Special Voting Meeting" for Friday to vote on a measure mandating face masks in public.

FLAGSTAFF - Flagstaff's mayor announced plans for a face mask requirement to be added into their emergency proclamation.

TOLLESON - The Mayor of Tolleson announced plans to implement a face mask requirement as part of their emergency proclamation.

MARANA - According to a spokesperson, Mayor Honea supports wearing masks, but does not plan to mandate requiring masks in public.

GILA RIVER INDIAN COMMUNITY - Governor Stephen Roe Lewis of the Gila River Indian Community signed an executive order Thursday requiring face coverings amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The measure was signed after the Community Council voted to close the Community’s casino operations for two weeks amid a spike of coronavirus cases in Arizona and the passing of a security guard at Lone Butte casino who tested positive for the virus.

PRESCOTT VALLEY: Prescott Valley Mayor Kell Palguta says the town is not requiring masks for citizens in public in an effort to "respect...rights and personal decisions."

GOODYEAR: Mayor Georgia Lord signed a proclamation Saturday requiring face coverings in Goodyear.