Tucson Mayor Regina Romero Institutes Mask Mandate for City Government Facilities

“Since the start of the pandemic, we have followed the science and guidance of our public health experts,” said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. “Following yesterday’s changes to CDC guidelines, I have directed our City Manager to require all members of the public, including those who are fully vaccinated, to wear a mask inside of City of Tucson facilities.” 

“According to the CDC, Pima County is an area of ‘substantial transmission,’ with COVID-19 cases increasing locally and statewide. I strongly encourage all Tucsonans to continue to follow CDC guidelines and wear a mask whenever indoors in public, regardless of whether you are vaccinated.” 

Later, she delivered a video message in both English and Spanish, justifying today’s actions by relaying:

“We have followed the science and guidance of public health experts.”

Ms. Romero also said that she “strongly encourages all Tucsonians to follow CDC guidelines, wear a mask whenever indoors or in public regardless of whether you are vaccinated.”

Citing Pima County Health statistics that show up to ten percent of COVID 19 cases come from schools, she also implored all vaccinated and nonvaccinated education stakeholders (students, teachers-staff, and visitors) to wear masks on school grounds.

She then noted that most of the new COVID cases were from unvaccinated individuals.

Mayor Romero closed by calling for everyone to think of others and the greater Tucson community, saying:

“For your health, for your families health, and for the health of your community, please do your part and get vaccinated if you have not already done so. The vaccine is safe and effective. Remember, we are one. Please mask up indoors and in public and get vaccinated.”

Please click on Mayor Romero’s remarks below.

The Cities of Phoenix and Tempe adopt similar mask-wearing requirements. 

In a similar vein, Dan Wilson, the Director of Communications for the City of Phoenix conveyed:

“On May 19, 2021, the Phoenix Council updated the ‘Amended Declaration of the Phoenix City Council Regarding Face Coverings’ to automatically adjust mask policies in accordance with current CDC guidance. With the announcement of the updated recommendations from the CDC, the city will be requiring masks inside city facilities beginning Monday.

As stated in the Declaration, private businesses continue to set their own policies regarding face coverings.

We encourage residents to follow CDC guidelines for the health and safety of our community.”

The City of Tempe also released a similar directive, stating:

“In its continuing effort to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Tempe will once again require patrons and city employees at indoor city-run facilities to wear face coverings until further notice.

This requirement will be enforced regardless of vaccination status. It will not apply at this time to city parks, playgrounds, or other outdoor facilities. Children under 6 will again be exempted from the requirement…”