SCOTTSDALE, AZ — Beginning Friday, June 19, the City of Scottsdale will require people to wear masks or face coverings in "most public areas," including grocery stores, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, gyms, hotels, retail stores, or other places where social distancing cannot easily be maintained.
The new rule goes into effect at 5 p.m. on Friday, part of an emergency proclamation signed Thursday by Mayor Jim Lane. It will remain in effect until July 20, unless extended, revised, or repealed.
Related: Multiple cities across Arizona announce plans to implement face mask requirements
“I recognize completely the intrusive nature of this directive. I understand the resistance that many have to the loss of your personal freedom to choose how you respond and react during this health crisis," Lane said in a statement. "In this emergency, however, like any other, we have a civic responsibility to act and sometimes accept actions that are important for recovery. As hospitalization utilization continues to rise and trend toward threatening levels it becomes imperative to slow the contagion rate – and wearing masks is a simple step recommended by public health experts.”
People do not have to wear a mask while outside in small groups, such as at the park, or while exercising, as long as social distancing (keeping six feet from other people) can be maintained.
The city has put together a "Frequently Asked Questions" section on its website in response to the order. Read it here.
Scottsdale face covering Q and A
— City of Scottsdale (@scottsdaleazgov) June 20, 2020
Read questions and answers about how Scottsdale's mandatory face covering order applies to dining in restaurants, exercising, participating in team sports and other activities.
➡️ https://t.co/hABp1kBT3b
Exceptions to the rule, including children under six, those engaged in religious services, and those whom the CDC does not recommend wear a mask or face covering.
The order "encourages" -- but does not require -- restaurants and bars, and any place where alcohol is consumed, to reduce capacity by 50% "to allow for better social distancing."
Read Mayor Lane's proclamation below (or click here):
On Wednesday, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey encouraged people to wear masks during a press conference but did not issue a state-wide requirement. Instead, he gave cities and towns the power to decide whether or not to require masks or face coverings while in public.
Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell also issued an emergency proclamation on Thursday requiring people to wear masks in public.
Several other cities and towns around the Valley have also implemented mask requirements.
