FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff City Mayor, Coral Evans has updated the Emergency Proclamation issued March 16 to include the requirement to wear face coverings in public places where social distancing is not possible. This proclamation is effective starting June 20, 2020 at 8 p.m. and will continue until further notice, unless repealed or revised by the Mayor or authority is preempted by the Governor of the State of Arizona under paragraph 7 of his Executive Order 2020-40.
For the purposes of this proclamation, “public place” means any place the public is allowed, including but not limited to businesses and outdoor spaces. Public Place includes but is not limited to restaurants, bars, theaters, libraries, museums, gymnasiums, fitness centers, grocery stores, markets, convenience stores, nursing homes, shelters, etc. For a full list, see the body of the proclamation.
Each person five years of age and older must wear a face covering when in a public place in the city of Flagstaff, except as follows:
- when able to maintain adequate social distancing;
- when that person cannot wear a face covering because of a medical condition, mental health condition or developmental disability, or is unable to remove the face covering without assistance. No proof of a medical order or directive is required except that an employer may require such documentation from an employee in accordance with state and federal law;
- when a person’s religious beliefs prevent the person from wearing a face covering.
- when a person is eating or drinking in a public place;
- when a person’s use of a face covering is exempted under any federal, state, or local laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements and standards;
- when a person is in a setting where it is not practical or feasible to wear a face covering, such as when receiving or rendering emergency, medical or dental services and treatments or while swimming.
Social distancing recommendations of the CDC remain the most effective tool to mitigate the spread of COVID-19; hence, face coverings are not a replacement for adhering to social distancing and hygiene practices.
In compliance with Executive Order No. 2020-40, enforcement of this proclamation shall focus first on education and providing guidance issued by the CDC and Arizona Department of Health Services to promote the health and safety as well as to further contain the spread of COVID-19. Individuals shall also be given an opportunity to comply with the proclamation before any enforcement action is taken. Continued failure to comply with an emergency proclamation is a misdemeanor under A.R.S. §26-317.
Private businesses and venues shall enforce this proclamation by asking any person failing to comply with the emergency proclamation to leave their premises. Business owners are not liable for members of the public who are in violation of this proclamation and refuse to leave their establishment when asked.