Tempe will also keep mask regulation in effect over Gov. Ducey’s order

PHOENIX – Another Arizona city has decided to keep its mask requirement policy in place, as the Tempe City Council voted to continue enforcing face coverings in public.

The council reached a unanimous agreement during a work study session Thursday that coverings would remain required in businesses and public places to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The East Valley city follows Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff in leaving coronavirus safety restrictions in place despite an executive order from Gov. Doug Ducey that banned local mask mandates.

After Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego announced Tuesday the capital city’s mask conditions were still in effect, Gov. Doug Ducey told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Arizona’s Morning News the city and county leaders ignoring his order were “grandstanding.”

Pima County has also said its mask directive was staying in place. The Arizona State Attorney General’s Office said in an informal opinion this week the southern region could keep the mandate in place.

Ducey’s order went into effect March 25.

“Given the discussion amongst the Tempe City Council, City Manager Andrew Ching will work with city staff and outside entities such as Arizona State University and the Arizona Department of Health Services to establish science-based, objective thresholds for Tempe so that we will have indicators about when to responsibly end our city mask mandate,” Mayor Corey Woods said in a press release after the decision was made.

The city planned to abide by the previously established education-before citation approach to businesses that are not complying with the mandate.

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