Fewer people wearing masks in Scottsdale after Governor Ducey are easing COVID restrictions
Governor Ducey says while companies can continue to enforce mask mandates, cities and counties must lift theirs if they want. While there are concerns that Governor Ducey made the decision prematurely, some say it is long overdue. Irene Snyder from FOX 10 reports.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) – – Flagstaff city council is keeping a critical eye on Governor Doug Ducey’s executive order banning local governments from enforcing masked mandates to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
The city council issued a statement on Friday saying it has no intention of overturning but not enforcing the city’s proclamation requiring the wear of masks while studying Ducey’s order on Thursday, which also includes the remaining Removed state COVID-19 restrictions on businesses and events.
COVID-19 continues to spread and Ducey’s command “is not in the best public health interest and continues to undermine home rule,” the Flagstaff Council statement said.
The state governor had lifted city and district mask requirements earlier this week.
“Today we’re in a different place and we’re also much smarter,” said Ducey. “I am confident that Arizona’s businesses and citizens will continue to act responsibly as we gradually return to normal.”
Regardless, the Flagstaff city guides don’t hold up on their requests.
“With the full support of Flagstaff City Council, I have no plans to repeal the face-covering proclamation,” said Mayor Paul Deasy. “We have asked staff to look into this matter further. The proclamation remains in place but will not be enforced while the city analyzes the effects of the executive order.”
Paul Bender, a law professor at Arizona State University, says he has some doubts about the power of Ducey’s command.
“The legislature has to do that,” said Bender. “I don’t think the governor has any general authority to tell cities what to do.”
Bender questioned the governor’s ability to strip town and county skills to meet mask requirements without Arizona law.
“This should the city be able to do in its own interest, unless the legislature gives the governor power to stop it or the legislature itself does something to stop it,” said Bender.
The city council will meet on Tuesday March 30th to decide on the next steps.
Arizona health officials reported 554 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases and six more deaths on March 28.
The latest numbers brought the state’s total to 839,888 cases and 16,918 known deaths since the pandemic began more than a year ago.
The number of infections is believed to be far higher than advertised as many people have not been tested. Studies have shown that people can become infected with the virus without feeling sick.
Arizonans have been given more than 3.2 million doses of vaccine, with 1.2 million residents fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Saturday morning, according to the state’s coronavirus dashboard.
Just over 2 million Arizonans – 28.4% of the state’s population – have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
Meanwhile, health officials said the number of confirmed or suspected inpatient COVID-19 patients in state hospitals fell to 562 on Saturday – the lowest number since October 3.
The number of ICU beds used by coronavirus patients decreased to 160 from Friday, a decrease from 21. These are the fewest beds since October 12th.
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