Phoenix Face Coverings; Frequently Asked Questions | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/em-and-hs/1353 | Emergency Management & Homeland Security | | 2/27/2022 4:30:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/1353/Newsroom_Mask.jpg | | Phoenix Face Coverings; Frequently Asked Questions | <div class="ExternalClass43B4527584D44234AC9C355F049FDA9F"><html>
<p><strong><span style="font-size:13.3333px;">Feb. 28, 2022 Update: <a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/city-manager/2253">The City Council has updated the Face Covering rules. Please read updated information.</a></span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-size:13.3333px;"><br></span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-size:13.3333px;"><br></span></strong></p><p>
<strong>May 19, 2021 Update: </strong><a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/em-and-hs/1917"><strong>The City Council has updated the Face Covering rules. Please read updated information.</strong></a><br></p>
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<strong>Related</strong>: Find information related to the COVID-19 virus and City of Phoenix, including testing, resources, and city impacts. Visit the information page.</a><br></p>
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<strong>The remainder of the information on this page was valid before May 19, 2021.</strong>
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<p>May 13 2021 Update:<em> On May 13, the <em style="font-size:13.3333px;"><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html" target="_blank" style="font-size:13.3333px;">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> </em>adjusted it's recommendations for mask wearing for those who are fully vaccinated. The June 19, 2020 </em><a href="/newssite/Documents/Mayor%27s%20Declaration_06-19-20.pdf" target="_blank"><em>Declaration of the Phoenix City Council</em></a><em> 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 </em><a href="https://directorsblog.health.azdhs.gov/cloth-face-coverings-what-you-need-to-know/" target="_blank"><em>Arizona Department of Public Health Face Covering Guidance</em></a><em> </em><em>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. </em><br><br>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.<br><br><strong>
</strong>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. <br><br><strong>
</strong>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. <a target="_blank" href="/newssite/Documents/MaskUp%20-%20Poster%20FINAL.pdf">Here are some suggested signs that can be used in Phoenix businesses. </a><br><br><strong>
</strong>This requirement was enacted on Friday, June 19, 2020, by the city of <a target="_blank" href="/newssite/Documents/Mayor%27s%20Declaration_06-19-20.pdf">Phoenix Mayor and City Council by a declaration</a> necessary to public safety and welfare, in particular to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. </p>
<h2>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
</h2><p><span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span><strong>May 19, 2021 Update: </strong><a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/em-and-hs/1917"><strong>The City Council has updated the Face Covering rules. Please read updated information.</strong></a><span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span><br></p>
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</p><h3 style="line-height:1.4;">What is the impact of the Governor's new Executive Order on mask mandates?<br></h3><p>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.</p><h3 style="line-height:1.4;">What are private businesses impacted?<br></h3><p>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.<br></p><h3>What is considered a face covering?</h3><p>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. </p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/diy-cloth-face-covering-instructions.pdf">CDC Cloth Face Covering PDF</a> English<br><a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/fs-Important-information-cloth-face-covering-esp.pdf">CDC Revestimiento facial
de tela PDF</a> Spanish<br><a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-wear-cloth-face-coverings.html">CDC How To Wear Your Face Covering PDF</a> English<br><a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/cloth-face-covering_SP.pdf">CDC Cómo Usar su Cubierta
Facial PDF</a> Spanish<br></p><h3>
Who is required to wear a face covering?</h3><p>All people in the city of Phoenix, ages 6 and older, shall have possession of a face covering described in the <a target="_blank" href="https://directorsblog.health.azdhs.gov/cloth-face-coverings-what-you-need-to-know/">Arizona Department of Public Health Face Covering Guidance issued on May 21, 2020</a>. 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.<br></p><h3>
Who are exempt from wearing a face covering?</h3>
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<li><span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span>Those with a medical condition, mental health condition, developmental disability, or are otherwise covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act.<span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span>Children under two years old [ amended by County Order].<br></li>
<li>People whose religious beliefs prevent them from wearing a face covering.<br></li>
<li>Restaurant patrons while they are eating and/or drinking.<br></li>
<li>Individuals exercising outdoors or while walking or exercising with other people from the same household, if physical distancing of 6 feet from others who are not your family members can be maintained.<br></li>
<li>People engaging in organized group or team sports, exercise or other physical activities where it is not practicable or feasible to wear a mask or physically distance.<br></li>
<li>People in settings where it is not practical or feasible to wear a face covering, including when obtaining or rendering goods or services, such as the receipt of dental services or medical treatments.</li>
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Do I need to wear a face covering when I am exercising?</h3><p>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.</p>
<p>Persons exercising indoors must wear a face covering when it is difficult or impossible to maintain physical distancing of 6 feet. <br></p><h3>
I work outside, do I need to wear a mask?
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<p>People working outside while following CDC guidelines and adhering to physical distancing of 6 feet do not need to wear the mask.</p>
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What do I do if I go out to eat?
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<li>Restaurant patrons do not have to wear a mask when they are eating or drinking at their table or seating area.<br></li>
<li>Restaurants should be making every effort to provide physical distancing of 6 feet in their seating areas.<br></li>
<li>Restaurant staff must be wearing masks. </li>
</ul>
<h3>
I had COVID-19 but am recovered, so do l need to wear a face covering?
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<p>Yes. The medical community is unclear at this time if having recovered from COVID-19 provides future immunity. </p><h3>
How will this requirement be enforced?
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<p>We intend to lead with education and providing information to the community. </p>
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<li>Officers will work to educate the public on this order and when possible will have masks on hand to provide to people who do not have one.<br></li>
<li>Upon complaint, available officers will share information with residents who are not in compliance with the order. This will include CDC guidelines suggesting wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where social distancing is difficult to maintain. </li>
</ul>
<p><span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span><a target="_blank" href="/newsroom/em-and-hs/1054"><strong>See Impacted Services Updates</strong> </a>to learn what's impacted or closed and what's still operating with city services and facilities.<br></p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/emergency | News | | em-and-hs | Face Coverings Are Required | EM & HS | | | | #COVID19 #Coronavirus #FaceCoverings #CityofPhoenixAZ | #COVID19, #Coronavirus, #FaceCoverings | Tamra Ingersoll | 602-376-3981 | 602-534-6648 | | | tamra.ingersoll@phoenix.gov | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/MediaContact/Attachments/12/Tamra_Ingersoll.jpg | Michael Hammett, Int. Deputy Communications Dir. | 602-859-5089 | 602-534-0108 | | | michael.hammett@phoenix.gov | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/MediaContact/Attachments/89/Michael_Hammett.jpg | CityofPhoenixAZ | |