PHOENIX, AZ – Officials in Phoenix have no plans to change the city’s mask requirements despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s announcement on the matter on Thursday.
The CDC’s announcement centered on the fact that most Americans are not required to wear masks indoors and outdoors if they are fully vaccinated and are not living or working in a correctional facility or detention center, homeless shelter, airplane, or near anyone who has COVID-19, said the center.
Big news from the CDC: When fully vaccinated, you won’t need to wear a mask in most environments – indoors or outdoors. We have come this far. Whether you want to get vaccinated or wear a mask, please protect yourself until we reach the finish line. pic.twitter.com/XI4yPmhWaD
– The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 13, 2021
The CDC guidelines state that people will continue to be subject to the requirements of a federal, local, or tribal mask, such as those introduced by cities like Phoenix.
In a statement sent to Patch, Phoenix Mayor’s communications director Kate Gallego, Jeanine M. L’Ecuyer, said the city had no plans to end its mask guidelines.
“From the start, Mayor Gallego has relied on CDC guidance and advice from experts, including an ASU epidemiologist and the city-appointed public health expert. We are now aware of the change in CDC guidance , and the mayor is now working with our experts, “said L’Ecuyer.
“At the moment, the city’s mask mandate, which applies to its properties, remains in place. A change in the mandate requires a review and vote by the mayor and the city council. We assume that the discussion will take place at a future council meeting.”
The director of the Arizona Department of Health, Dr. Cara Christ, said in a statement that Thursday’s CDC guidelines are further evidence of support for widespread COVID-19 vaccinations in the state of Grand Canyon and beyond.
“Today brings more encouraging news for those fully vaccinated against COVID-19 – and another reason for everyone else to get their shot.
“New guidelines from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that fully vaccinated people can resume activities both indoors and outdoors without wearing a mask or physically distancing themselves However, CDC notes that everyone continues to be subject to federal or local territory or tribal rules and regulations, and business and operational requirements.
“This is a very big step towards returning to the way we lived before the pandemic. And it is available to anyone receiving any of the safe, effective, free, and widely available vaccines available in government locations, pharmacies, and numerous others are going to locations across the state. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine has never been easier, even on the same day and at your convenience. “
Patch has reached out to Phoenix Unified High School District to determine if mask policies have changed and will update this story as soon as we receive a response.
This is a developing story. Check for updates again.
Comments are closed.