Jan Brewer unsure why Gov. Ducey not taking a stand on mask mandates
Nov 19, 2020, 4:25 AM | Updated: 1:25 pm
(Twitter Photo/@GovBrewer)
(Twitter Photo/@GovBrewer)
PHOENIX — Former Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer says it doesn’t make sense why current Gov. Doug Ducey shies away from taking a stand on implementing a statewide mask mandate, especially as COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the state.
“Bottom line is that we need the leadership from the top, and if there’s 90% as he reported, a mandate in the state by local government, it seems to me it would have been an easy step to have that importance of a governor stepping up and mandating a statewide mask,” Brewer told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Gaydos & Chad on Wednesday.
“It just doesn’t make sense to me why he doesn’t take a stand.”
Brewer, a Republican like Ducey, noted that other Republican governors have stepped up to institute statewide mask requirements, like Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds.
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At a press conference Wednesday, Ducey avoided implementing a statewide mask mandate, citing that around 90% of the state is already covered by local orders.
Arizona is one of only 14 states without a statewide mandate, although large portions of the state like Phoenix, Maricopa County and Tucson have local mandates in place, which can become difficult to keep track of.
Democratic political leaders like Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton have called on Ducey to implement a statewide mandate.
On Wednesday, Arizona health officials reported 3,206 new coronavirus cases and 53 additional deaths, bringing the state’s documented totals at 283,102 COVID-19 infections and 6,365 fatalities.
Brewer said everyone knows that masks make a difference, but it’s about enforcing proper use.
“It’s not hard to put a mask on,” Brewer said. “You’re going to protect somebody or if you’re going to protect yourself. And it has been proven time and time again by medical scientists that it works.”
