Peoria, Phoenix and Tucson will once again require masks in city-owned buildings and facilities

PHOENIX – The cities of Peoria, Phoenix, Tempe and Tucson will once again require people to wear masks, including those who have received the COVID-19 vaccine and those who have not, inside buildings and city-owned facilities, such as libraries and aquatic facilities.

In response to an increase in the delta B.1.617.2 variant of the novel coronavirus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated their COVID-19 guidelines for masks on Tuesday and recommended that people wear masks at home. indoors in areas where there is “high community spread.”

According to the CDC’s online COVID Data Tracker, 13 of Arizona’s 15 counties, including Maricopa, Pima and Pinal, are all considered to be in “high” or “substantial” spread. Cochise and Yuma counties are considered to have “moderate” spread.

There is no mask requirement for private businesses, such as bars, restaurants, and shops, however, these businesses can set their own rules for their customers and employees.

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero said in a tweet Thursday that she asked the city manager to re-require masks in all buildings in the city. Peoria will need masks starting Thursday, July 29. Tempe will need it starting Friday, July 30. Phoenix will need it from August 2.

With schools reopening for in-person learning, the CDC has also recommended “universal interior masking” for everyone, including teachers, staff, students and visitors, regardless of their immunization status.

Currently, those 12 years of age and over can receive the Pfizer vaccine.

ADHS Director Dr Cara Christ, who will be stepping down in late August to join Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, said ahead of the announcement that the state agency would recommend CDC’s advice regarding schools. .

State Superintendent Kathy Hoffman also urged people to follow the CDC’s new guidelines.

Despite this, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed an executive order in June that banned schools from requiring students to wear masks or get vaccinated in order to resume in-person learning. Schools can continue to encourage people to get vaccinated.

“Arizona does not allow mask warrants, vaccine warrants, vaccine passports, or discrimination in schools based on who is or is not vaccinated. We have passed all of this into law, and that will not change, ”the governor said in a statement, in part, on Tuesday, following recommendations from the CDC and ADHS.