Tucson Mayor Regina Romero opposes Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey’s executive order that makes local mask mandates no longer enforceable, saying that she will maintain the mask requirement.
Ducey will enact an executive order limiting local mask mandates imposed by municipalities, saying, “Those local mandates will be phased out,” according to a readout of the order Thursday.
Following his announcement, Romero condemned the order, saying, “Ducey’s actions are pre-mature and will jeopardize Arizona lives unnecessarily,” according to a statement.
“I have no intention of removing our local mask mandate requirement,” Romero wrote, adding that the city’s attorney advised her that “we have clear authority” to maintain the mandate.
DUCEY ORDERS ALL ARIZONA SCHOOLS TO OFFER IN-CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION AFTER SPRING BREAK
Today we are in a different spot, and we are also a lot smarter. I’m confident Arizona’s businesses and citizens will continue to act responsibly as we gradually get back to normal. Details on the new phase of mitigation can be found here: https://t.co/JLKsoeAuzU 7/
— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) March 25, 2021
The state reached a milestone in COVID-19 vaccine disbursement, as Arizona reported that nearly 3 million vaccine doses have been administered.
However, a “vast majority of Arizonans are not fully vaccinated,” Romero said, noting the risk of virus spread is still a present threat.
While Ducey’s comments about the order appear to lift mask mandates statewide, political subdivisions can set and enforce policies in their government buildings and on public transportation, including requiring face coverings, according to the order.
Businesses maintain the right to mandate masks in their establishments and can deny service to those who do not comply.
An emergency measure via the Arizona Department of Health Services remains in effect, requiring mask use in public schools, Arizona’s Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman said Thursday.
More than 837,000 people statewide have contracted the coronavirus, with 16,842 fatalities related to the virus, and 16.25% of people in Arizona are fully vaccinated, according to Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 data.
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The Washington Examiner reached out to the mayor’s office but did not immediately receive a response.
