Some Arizona mayors were already planning to require face coverings — or at least they were exploring legal options — before Gov. Doug Ducey gave local governments the authority to implement their own rules.
Before the governor’s announcement Wednesday, Joshua LaBaer of ASU’s Biodesign Institute held a press call lamenting a growing number of people he’s seen going about their lives as if there’s no pandemic now. He said people need to be reminded the virus is still very much a part of our lives and could get worse.
“This virus doesn’t care," he says. "This virus is just a virus. It’s going to hit anyone it can hit, and we are all fuel for its fire. And it will spread if we are not careful.”
Tolleson Mayor Anna Tovar says the governor’s concession to mayors is a step in the right direction.
“We need to have that local control at our city to make the decisions that best fit our communities’ needs, especially when it comes to the safety of our residents," Tovar said.
And Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans intended to have a plan for her city by noon Thursday.
“I’m very appreciative of the fact that the governor decided to give back local control to mayors and cities and towns across Arizona - because he was obviously unwilling to do something that the health data says needs to be done," she said.
What’s still unclear is how each individual city will choose to enforce their orders. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego says she intends to coordinate with other mayors in Maricopa County to make rules and expectations as consistent as possible.
“The governor’s executive order requires cities to lead with education. I think that’s responsible," Gallego said. "Some communities have looked at arresting people who are not wearing masks. I don’t think that that is a good way to slow the spread. In fact, we know that in our jail system, we are seeing the virus spread.”
The Phoenix City Council is expected to vote on a mask requirement Friday morning.
