Here’s where Arizona cities stand on requiring face masks

Jun 22, 2020, 11:38 AM | Updated: 3:21 pm

PHOENIX – Other than specific exceptions, everybody in metro Phoenix is required to wear a face mask in public after the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved requirements last week.

But that doesn’t mean regulations regarding face coverings are uniform across the Valley.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey announced June 17 he would allow local governments to implement face mask requirements to combat the growing spread of coronavirus.

Many cities have enacted their own rules since then. Any city requirements that are stricter and impose higher fines than the county take precedence over the county regulations.

The following Maricopa County regulations are the minimum standard across the region:

People older than 6 must wear masks that cover their mouth and nose in enclosed public spaces (where 6 feet of distance cannot be maintained).
Adults with children 2-5 years old must make reasonable effort to make them wear masks where required.
All public transportation riders and operators must wear a mask.
All employees in public spaces (such as restaurants or stores) must wear masks.
Enforcement should focus on public education, but refusal to wear a face covering could result in a fine of up to $50.

The county regulations don’t apply inside homes and include exemptions for certain situations, including the following:

While eating and drinking in a restaurant.
While walking or exercising outdoors (while maintaining 6 feet of distance).
When in a personal vehicle, office or other personal space.
For people with medical conditions that prohibit them from safely wearing a face covering.

Here is a list Valley cities that implemented their own face mask policies, with links to the details:

Phoenix City Council implemented a mandatory mask policy for anyone age 6 or older in the state’s largest city in public places when physical distancing isn’t possible. It does not apply as a mandate to religious organizations. Other exceptions include those exercising outdoors while distancing and those with certain medical conditions.
Avondale Mayor Kenneth Weise issued an emergency proclamation requiring the wearing of a face mask by all employees and customers in retail stores, pharmacies, gyms, medical offices, any indoor sport or activity facility and convenience and grocery stores. Exceptions include children under 2 years old and individuals with disabilities and underlying medical conditions that prohibit them from using a face mask.
The Town of Carefree mandated that face masks will be required in public places and businesses for people age 5 or older.
Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke said people over 6 years of age would be required to wear face coverings in public places.
Gilbert Town Council voted to mandate a mask policy indoors and outdoors when physical distancing is not possible. The order applies to people age 6 or older.
Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers issued a proclamation mandating the use of face coverings for people age 6 or older.
Goodyear Mayor Georgia Lord signed a proclamation requiring anyone age 6 or older to wear a face mask while within city limits. Those with medical conditions and anyone exercising outdoors are not required to wear a face covering.
Town of Guadalupe Mayor Valerie Molina signed a proclamation that required people to wear a face covering in public. People under 6 years old are exempt.
Litchfield Park adopted a resolution that requires people age 4 or older to wear a face covering in public spaces.
Mesa Mayor John Giles signed a proclamation requiring face masks for anyone age 6 or older.
Peoria Mayor Cathy Carlat issued a proclamation that requires face coverings for people age 6 or older.
Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane issued an emergency proclamation requiring individuals age 6 or older to wear face coverings in public. Exemptions include individuals exercising outdoors or those whose medical conditions prohibit them from wearing a face covering.
Surprise City Council issued an emergency proclamation to require face coverings in public when physical distancing isn’t possible for anyone age 2 or older.
Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell issued an emergency proclamation requiring all individuals within city limits to wear a face mask in public settings. It does not apply as a mandate to religious organizations. Other exceptions include those exercising outdoors while distancing, children under age 6 and those with certain medical conditions.
Tolleson Mayor Anna Tovar issued an emergency proclamation requiring the use of face masks in public places or when working. Children under 2 years old and those with medical conditions that prohibit them from wearing a face covering are not required to wear a mask.

Here are other Arizona municipalities that have taken action:

Casa Grande issued a proclamation on Friday requiring the community to wear face coverings while in public.
Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans issued an emergency proclamation that would require masks in public places. The proclamation applies to people age 5 or older.
Nogales Mayor Arturo Garino issued a proclamation requiring people to wear masks in public. Face coverings are not required for children under 2 years old. Face masks aren’t required while eating, exercising outdoors alone or swimming.
Payson issued an emergency proclamation that required face coverings in public starting for people age 2 years or older.
Santa Cruz County issued a proclamation that people 2 years old or older would be required to wear a face covering in public.
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero signed a proclamation requiring anyone age 2 or older to cover their nose and mouth with a mask when in a public setting and physical distancing is difficult or impossible. The proclamation does not require the use of a face mask while exercising outdoors or with others from the same household, those with medical conditions and when individuals are in personal spaces.
The Yuma County Chairman of the Board of Supervisors signed a proclamation requiring people to wear a face mask. Anyone age 2 or older who is in a place open to the public, whether indoor or outdoor, and can’t maintain a distance of approximately 6 feet from other people must wear a face covering, with certain excemptions.