More Than 33,000 Show Up For Free Masks In Tucson

TUCSON, AZ — More than 33,000 people now have masks thanks to the city of Tucson. A give-away over the weekend, part of the city's "Mask Up Tucson" campaign, urges residents to wear face coverings as a way to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus.

The giveaway Saturday came as about 3,500 new coronavirus cases have been reported every day across Arizona, and health officials say the outbreak has hit new highs in the state. The state has not gone a day with reporting less than 1,000 cases since June 9, according to the New York Times' database.

"Wearing a face covering is one of the best ways, along with proper hand washing and practicing social/physical distancing, to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus," elected officials in Tucson wrote while promoting Saturday's citywide giveaway on Facebook. "The Mayor and Council are committed to keeping our community safe."

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and members of the City Council have said up to 56,000 washable ear loop cloth masks were made available at the giveaway events.