By Mike Sunnucks | Rose Law Group Reporter
The mask mandate goes into place tomorrow morning at 6 a.m. It requires masks be worn away from home and when persons are within six feet of another person who is not a member of their family or household.
Businesses that interact with the public also required to have their workers wear masks or face coverings. Businesses are also allowed to refuse service to customers who refuse to wear masks.
Children under six are exempt as are those exercising, playing team sports where mask wearing is not feasible and those with health conditions that could worsen if face coverings are worn.
Those working outside can also avoid wearing masks if they are social distancing and abiding by U.S. Centers for Disease Control guidelines.
Violators of the mask order could face fines of up to $250.
Mayor Kate Gallego has been pushing hard for mask orders as the number of COVID cases has risen statewide and in the Phoenix metro area.
There are now 46,689 COVID-19 case statewide with 3,246 new ones reported today. There are now 25,999 Coronavirus cases in Maricopa County. That is the 10th most among U.S. counties and is now more than Miami, Philadelphia and Detroit. It is also closing in on the number of cases in Manhattan, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa and Gilbert have also approved mask mandates. Other cities are also considering or have approved COVID mask mandates with cases rising after Gov. Doug Ducey issued an order this week allowing for local actions.
