ARIZONA NEWS
Rep. Greg Stanton wants mask mandate for Arizona during outbreak
PHOENIX – Watching the spike in coronavirus cases in Arizona has prompted U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton to press for mandatory mask-wearing for residents in public.
Stanton, a Democrat from Phoenix, told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Arizona’s Morning News on Monday he didn’t believe state leadership was doing enough to emphasize mask-wearing as a safety precaution.
“I know people think this is an issue of individual choice – this is a public health crisis,” he said.
“We’ve seen study after study show that, in terms of stemming the tide to fight this horrible virus, the Number One thing people can do is to wear their masks. And we’re not doing enough of it.”
Last week, Gov. Doug Ducey and state and county health officials encouraged residents to wear masks, two weeks after a stay-at-home expired and more businesses reopenings expanded.
“I think the state has to do a lot more to provide guidance to business, so they know the steps they should be taking so they can stay open,” Stanton said.
Stanton released a five-point plan Sunday that included calling on mask wearing when social distancing guidelines couldn’t be met – such as at grocery stores and on public transportation – and better advice given to businesses.
“Even when you go out, day to day, you don’t see enough people wearing masks. You owe it to your fellow citizens,” the congressman said.
The level of crisis we have in Arizona is unnecessary and a direct result of poor decision-making and failed leadership. State officials can make us safer by taking five urgent steps to save lives—but they have to act quickly. Time is running out. https://t.co/DrEtt6uwIt
— Rep. Greg Stanton (@RepGregStanton) June 14, 2020
Stanton’s plan also recommends expanding testing, weekly testing for health care workers and nursing home and assisted living facility employees and prioritizing contact tracing.
