Community Corner
City Of Phoenix: Face Coverings; Frequently Asked Questions
People working outside while following CDC guidelines and adhering to physical distancing of 6 feet do not need to wear the mask.
February 27, 2022
Feb. 28, 2022 Update: The City Council has updated the Face Covering rules. Please read updated information.
Find out what's happening in Phoenixfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Find out what's happening in Phoenixfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
May 19, 2021 Update: The City Council has updated the Face Covering rules. Please read updated information.
The remainder of the information on this page was valid before May 19, 2021.
May 13 2021 Update: On May 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention adjusted it's recommendations for mask wearing for those who are fully vaccinated. The June 19, 2020 Declaration of the Phoenix City Council requiring face coverings in public for most people within city limits remains in effect. Changing or rescinding the mandate requires a vote by Phoenix City Council. The mandate uses Arizona Department of Public Health Face Covering Guidance guidance stating that masks should be worn in addition to staying at least 6 feet apart to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The mask mandate within the City of Phoenix will remain in place until such time as the Council votes to terminate or amend the declaration. Given the rise in COVID-19 cases throughout Arizona, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and the City Council issued a declaration in June 2020 requiring people to cover their nose and mouth whenever they are away from their home or residence and unable to physically distance.
The declaration went into effect on Saturday, June 20, 2020 at 6 a.m. and requires every person in the city of Phoenix, ages two and over [amended by County Order], shall cover their nose and mouth whenever they are away from their home or residence and within six feet of another person who is not a member of their family or household.
Any business whose employees cannot observe physical distancing, must require face coverings; including those that interact with the public. Businesses also have the right to refuse service to anyone not wearing a face covering. Here are some suggested signs that can be used in Phoenix businesses.
This requirement was enacted on Friday, June 19, 2020, by the city of Phoenix Mayor and City Council by a declaration necessary to public safety and welfare, in particular to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
May 19, 2021 Update: The City Council has updated the Face Covering rules. Please read updated information.
The Declaration by the Phoenix City Council remains in effect until such time as the Council votes to modify or terminate it. That has not happened. The original Declaration states the Council has determined the mask mandate is necessary to preserve the peace and order of the City of Phoenix, and to protect life and/or property and to promote and preserve public safety and welfare, in particular to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and provide essential protections to Phoenix residents, including but not limited to those who are most vulnerable to infection, while still preserving the availability of essential services. The Governor's Executive Order reinforces the ongoing state of emergency related to the spread of COVID-19.
As noted in the original declaration, businesses have the right to refuse service to customers for failure to comply with the city-wide mask mandate as long as the individual does not qualify for exceptions under the mandate. Private businesses within city limits are not exempt from the mask requirement.
A face covering is considered any type of fabric or cloth that can safely cover your nose and mouth. These can be store-bought (mask, scarf or bandana) or home-made using traditional fabrics used for clothing and other materials (cotton, poly-blends, etc.) A face covering must cover the nose and mouth. Learn more about face coverings and how to wear them.
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All people in the city of Phoenix, ages 6 and older, shall have possession of a face covering described in the Arizona Department of Public Health Face Covering Guidance issued on May 21, 2020. This guidance says people are to use them when away from their homes and whenever they are within six feet of another person who is not a member of their family or household.
No, persons exercising outdoors, or while walking or exercising with other persons of the same household, as long as physical distancing of 6 feet from others is maintained do not have to wear a face covering. People are not expected to wear a mask while swimming. Physical distancing should be adhered to as much as possible in pool settings.
Persons exercising indoors must wear a face covering when it is difficult or impossible to maintain physical distancing of 6 feet.
People working outside while following CDC guidelines and adhering to physical distancing of 6 feet do not need to wear the mask.
Yes. The medical community is unclear at this time if having recovered from COVID-19 provides future immunity.
We intend to lead with education and providing information to the community.
See Impacted Services Updates to learn what's impacted or closed and what's still operating with city services and facilities.
Related Social Media Hashtags and Handles: #COVID19 #Coronavirus #FaceCoverings #CityofPhoenixAZ Keywords: #COVID19, #Coronavirus, #FaceCoverings
This press release was produced by City of Phoenix. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
