PHOENIX – Valley Metro riders will be required to wear a face covering when riding transit in Phoenix starting July 1 to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, according to a press release Wednesday.

Riders are urged to plan ahead and bring their own face covering which can include a mask, face shield, homemade cloth covering or other cloth positioned over the mouth and nose.

Passengers are encouraged to also wear a face covering while waiting at the bus stop or other transit areas where social distancing may not be possible.

There are exceptions to the face mask covering requirement s for children under 2 years old, anyone with a disability that makes it difficult for them to wear a face covering, anyone who has been advised by a medical professional to not wear a face mask or anyone who has trouble breathing or is unable to remove the face covering without help.

Valley Metro is encouraging riders to not get involved with other passengers who are not wearing a face covering.

Depending on availability, Valley Metro will provide face coverings at select transit centers in the Valley, but they will not be distributed on public transit vehicles.

On Wednesday, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey gave local governments the authority to mandate face masks for each city.

Around the Valley, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport began to require face coverings for all passengers on June 1.

Follow @KTAR923