The Mayor of Pinetop-Lakeside is raising the face coverage requirements on Pinetop Lakeside

PINETOP-LAKESIDE – Mayor Stephanie Irwin today (March 25, 2021) lifted the wearing of face coverings in the city of Pinetop-Lakeside to the extent required by the executive order issued this morning by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey. Mayor Irwin said face coverings are now encouraged but not required in all buildings in the city.

The Executive Order 2021-06 repealed many of the governor’s previous orders on COVID-19 and empowered companies to resume normal business operations with immediate effect. The list of affected companies includes hotels and resorts, restaurants and bars, fitness centers, pools, water parks, cinemas and attractions.

The governor cited the following positive steps in making today’s decision:

• 10 weeks of declining cases.

• Opening vaccine appointments for all Arizonans over the age of 16.

• Vaccine mass distribution: 3,041,773 doses of COVID-19 vaccine were given to 1,927,278 people in Arizona, including 1,185,986 who were fully vaccinated.

• In a recent CDC evaluation, Arizona was named one of the best states in the country to bring the COVID-19 vaccine to vulnerable communities.

• President Biden’s recent promise that every American will be vaccinated by May 1st.

Mayor Irwin said it was her hope that individuals would continue to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Navajo County has entered phase 2 of its vaccination rollout since Monday, March 22nd. Phase 2 includes all adults over the age of 18.

Other important changes due to today’s order are the following:

• All events over 50 people no longer require the approval of the local authorities.

• Events should continue to follow safe practices and CDC recommendations.

• The company management is also switching from the requirements to the recommendations.

• Governor Ducey offers companies the opportunity to continue to demand masks and social distancing at their own discretion.