Mayor John Giles signs proclamation requiring face coverings in Mesa

June 20, 2020 at 5:33 pm

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, Mayor John Giles signed a proclamation today requiring, with some exceptions, face coverings to be worn in Mesa. The proclamation is the fourth signed during the state of emergency declared on March 17, 2020 and will take effect at 8 a.m. on Monday, June 22, 2020.

"As Mayor, I am expected to enact measures designed to protect public health," Mayor John Giles said. "Wearing a face covering slows the spread of coronavirus and in turn helps our hospitals maintain capacity, businesses stay open and kids get back to school."

FACE COVERINGS WILL BE REQUIRED IN MESA:

When entering, exiting, or waiting in line to enter a place of business or City of Mesa facility that is open to the public, and while inside areas of a place of business or City of Mesa facility that is accessible to and are intended for public use

Places of business shall require face coverings for paying customers and for employees that interact with the public

In any outdoor space where physical distancing of at least six feet is not maintained from others who are not members of the same household

In any public transportation such as a bus, taxi or ride sharing service

EXCEPTIONS INCLUDE:

Those who cannot wear face coverings due to a medical, mental health, developmental condition; inability to remove the face mask without assistance and anyone who cannot wear face coverings under CDC guidance

Children under the age of six

Restaurant and bar patrons while eating or drinking at their table

When inside a personal or commercial vehicle that is not public transportation

When actually exercising at a gym with six feet of physical distance

Exercising or walking outdoors with six feet of physical distance or with members of the same household

Inside a workspace not intended for use by the general public

Religious institutions, and individuals whose religious beliefs, as defined under state law, would be substantially burdened by wearing a face covering

Private, public and charter schools will implement policies that best meet the needs of a classroom environmentWhile working as a public safety employee or emergency responder when it would interfere with their job

Those complying with directions from public safety employees and emergency responders

The full proclamation and FAQs are available online at www.mesaaz.gov/coronavirus.