A city of Tucson proclamation makes masks mandatory in public settings starting June 20.
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero on Thursday made official her promise to put in place a mask restriction in the city to slow the spread of COVID-19, after previously announcing she would do so despite a state order that pre-empted local governments from implementing such rules.
In the end she didn't have to defy Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, who yielded Wednesday to calls from Romero and others to lift the barrier to local control over such restrictions, which had been pre-empted by an executive order.
Romero's proclamation says anyone older than 2 is required to wear a face covering in a public setting when physical distancing is "difficult or impossible." It also said businesses must require employees who interact with the public to require masks. It goes into effect Saturday, June 20.
She said enforcement of the order will be light, but police will be able to cite offenders, with a potential $50 fine for those who don't use a mask.
"We're not out there to get people, but if there is blatant disregard I could see, you know, a need to have our police be able to enforce it," Romero said in a Thursday teleconference with news media.
The proclamation defines "public setting" as most retail and service businesses that customers enter, as well as public transportation, ride shares and taxis, and some outdoor settings. City attorney Mike Rankin said the order applies to places that would commonly be considered "public" spaces.
"In terms of places that are indoors, it's spaces where the public is invited or allowed to come in. It includes outdoor spaces where people congregate," Rankin said.
Personal vehicles are not on the mayor's list. Among other exceptions it also exempts people with certain health conditions and those eating or drinking while seated at a restaurant.
Romero also called a special City Council meeting for Friday afternoon to further discuss mask wearing. The meeting will follow a special meeting of the Pima County Board of Supervisors, also to consider more steps to control the spread of the coronavirus.
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