Flagstaff City Council released a statement Friday objecting to Gov. Doug Ducey’s recent executive order and stating that the city does not plan to remove its current COVID-19 policies.
The order bars local governments from enforcing these mask mandates and other safety protocols.
The statement claims the recent removal of safety requirements is not in the best interest of public health and further erodes home rule.
While the Flagstaff council knows it cannot enforce COVID-19 safety policies under the executive order, it has no plans to lift the mandates until they “look further into this matter.”
The mask-wearing and social distancing proclamations will remain in place until the council can further analyze the impacts of the executive order on the city.
The statement also reminds local business owners that they are allowed and encouraged to continue to require masks to enter their establishments.