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The original item was published from 6/24/2020 11:58:00 AM to 6/25/2020 5:04:44 PM.

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Posted on: June 19, 2020

[ARCHIVED] Board Approves Mask Regulations Due to Community Spread of COVID-19

Mask Regulations

Phoenix – In light of the rapid growth in positive COVID-19 cases, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved regulations related to wearing masks in an effort to slow the spread the disease.

The regulations create consistent minimum mask-wearing requirements across all jurisdictions while allowing cities and towns to set their own policies and regulations related to face coverings.

“We know thousands of people move through different cities and towns in Maricopa County every day,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Clint Hickman.  “The regulations are based on the recommendations of our Public Health Department and they give residents an understanding of the rules no matter where they are within the County.”

Some cities and towns have already passed proclamations and emergency orders. Board members hope other governments will take advantage of the expertise from Public Health and create consistent rules in their communities.  

Some highlights from the regulations include:

  • People older than six must wear masks in enclosed public spaces
  • Adults with children 2 to 5 years old must make reasonable effort to make them wear masks inside enclosed public spaces
  • All riders and operators on public transportation must wear a mask
  • Staff working in public spaces (such as restaurants or stores) must wear masks

 “We are hoping residents and cities and towns will partner with us during the pandemic,” added Hickman.  “We have seen more than 60% of total cases in the past three weeks.  This will not stop unless the public consistently takes action to prevent the spread.”

The regulations include exemptions from wearing masks that include:

  • The regulations do not apply to people in homes
  • Children under 2 years old
  • Restaurant patrons while they are eating and drinking
  • People walking or exercising outdoors (while maintaining six feet of distance)
  • When in a personal vehicle, office or other personal space  

Enforcement is the responsibility of law enforcement and per the governor’s executive order 2020-40, it should focus on educating the public about the dangers of community spread.  An officer should promote best public health practices and provide a warning, but if a person refuses to put on a face covering again, they can face a fine of not more than $50.

If a member of the public believes a situation requires the intervention of law enforcement, they should call the appropriate number listed below.

Agency

Department

Phone Number

Apache Junction

Police

480-982-8260

Avondale

Police

623-333-7001

Buckeye

Police

623-349-6400

Carefree

Police (MCSO)

602-876-1000

Cave Creek

Police (MCSO)

602-876-1000

Chandler

Police

480-782-4130

El Mirage

Police

623-500-3000

Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation

Police

480-837-1091

Fountain Hills

Police (MCSO)

602-876-1000

Gila Bend

Police (MCSO)

602-876-1000

Gila River Indian Community

Police

520-562-7114

Gilbert

Police

480-503-6500

Glendale

Police

623-930-3000

Goodyear

Police

623-932-1220

Guadalupe

Police (MCSO)

602-876-1000

Litchfield Park

Police (MCSO)

602-876-1000

Maricopa County

Police (MCSO)

602-876-1000

Mesa

Police

480-644-2211

Paradise Valley

Police

480-948-7418

Peoria

Police

623-773-8311

Phoenix

Police

602- 262-6151

Queen Creek

Police (MCSO)

602-876-1000

Rio Verde

Police (MCSO)

602-876-1000

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community

Police

480-850-8200

Scottsdale

Police

480-312-5000

Surprise

Police

623-222-4000

Tempe

Police

480-350-8311

Tohono O’odham Nation

Police

520-383-3275

Tolleson

Police

623-936-7186

Wickenburg

Police

928-684-5411

Youngtown

Police (MCSO)

602-876-1000


This regulation goes into effect at midnight on Saturday, June 20, 2020.

Read the regulations requiring face coverings in Maricopa County >

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