On Friday, June 19, 2020, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors adopted a County regulation mandating face coverings in public. The Board of Supervisors adopted the regulation in response to Governor Ducey’s Executive Order 2020-40 issued on Wednesday, June 17, 2020, due to increases in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Arizona. The regulation went into effect midnight on Saturday, June 20, 2020, and its requirements cover all incorporated and unincorporated areas of Maricopa County including Fountain Hills.
Some highlights from the regulations include:
- People older than six must wear masks in enclosed public spaces
- Adults with children 2 to 5 years old must make reasonable effort to make them wear masks inside enclosed public spaces
- All riders and operators on public transportation must wear a mask
- Staff working in public spaces (such as restaurants or stores) must wear masks
The regulations include exemptions from wearing masks that include:
- The regulations do not apply to people in homes
- Children under 2 years old
- Restaurant patrons while they are eating and drinking
- People walking or exercising outdoors (while maintaining six feet of distance)
- When in a personal vehicle or other personal space
- In settings where it is not practical or feasible to wear a Face Covering, including when obtaining or rendering goods or services, such dental services, medical treatments or while swimming
- For persons who fall into the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance for those who should not wear face coverings due to a medical or mental health condition or developmental disability
Enforcement of the regulations will be the responsibility of law enforcement and will focus on educating the public about the dangers of community spread. An officer will promote best public health practices and provide a warning, but if a person refuses to put on a face covering again, they can face a fine of not more than $50. If residents would like to report observations of face covering violations, they can call the non-emergency number at the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office at 602-876-1011.
Attached is a signed copy of the face covering regulations enacted by the County Board of Supervisors.