By Mike Sunnucks | Rose Law Group Reporter
Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane has issued an emergency proclamation requiring masks in public areas as well as restaurants, stores, bars, and fitness centers. The move joins several other Arizona cities mandating masks to curtail COVID-19.
“We cannot afford another shutdown of businesses or restaurants,” said Lane in a statement. “So, we need each individual to make responsible decisions for the sake of our entire community – wear your mask when out in public.”
Scottsdale’s mask / face covering mandate goes into place at 5 p.m. today and also applies to grocery stores, pharmacies, special events and public transit. Businesses that interact with the public must also require employees to wear face coverings as well.
“I recognize completely the intrusive nature of this directive. I understand the resistance that many have to the loss of your personal freedom to choose how you respond and react during this health crisis. In this emergency, however, like any other, we have a civic responsibility to act and sometimes accept actions that are important for recovery. As hospitalization utilization continues to rise and trend toward threatening levels it becomes imperative to slow the contagion rate – and wearing masks is a simple step recommended by public health experts.” Lane said.
Arizona has seen a rise in COVID-19 cases prompting Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey to issue an order earlier this week allowing cities to institute mask mandates.
There exceptions to the mask mandate for children under six, persons engaged in religious services and those with health conditions adverse to wearing masks. Violators will be given a chance to comply with order but could face a misdemeanor charge.
“We cannot ignore the numbers as COVID-19 cases mount. As government we are balancing the need to act for the sake of community-wide public health, while also allowing as much personal freedom as we can,” Lane said.
