CDC Mask Guidance: Phoenix Keeping Mandate For Now

PHOENIX, AZ — Officials in Phoenix have no plans on changing the city's mask requirement, despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's announcement on the subject Thursday.

The CDC's announcement centered around the fact that most Americans don't need to wear masks, indoors and outdoors, if they're fully vaccinated and don't live or work in a correctional or detention facility, a homeless shelter, are traveling on a plane, or are around someone who has COVID-19, the center said.

The CDC's guidance says that people are still subject to any federal, local or tribal mask requirements, such as the one that cities like Phoenix have put in place.

In a statement sent to Patch, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego's Director of Communications Jeanine M. L'Ecuyer said the city has no plans on ending its mask policies.

"From the start, Mayor Gallego has relied on CDC guidance, as well as advice received from experts that include an epidemiologist from ASU and the city's contracted public health expert. We became aware of the CDC's change in guidance today, and the Mayor is working with our experts now," L'Ecuyer said.

"For the moment, the city's mask mandate that applies to its properties remains in place. Changing the mandate requires consideration and a vote by the Mayor and City Council. We anticipate that discussion will occur at a future council meeting."

Arizona Department of Health Services Director, Dr. Cara Christ, said in a statement that Thursday's guidance from the CDC is further evidence to support widespread COVID-19 vaccinations in the Grand Canyon State and beyond.

"Today brings more encouraging news for those fully vaccinated against COVID-19 — and another reason for everyone else to get their shot.

"New guidance from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says fully vaccinated people can resume activities indoors as well as outdoors without wearing a mask or physically distancing. The CDC notes, however, that everyone is still subject to any federal, local, or tribal rules and regulations as well as business and workplace requirements.

"This is a very big step toward returning to our pre-pandemic way of life. And it’s available to everyone who gets one of the safe, effective, free, and widely available vaccines offered at state-run sites, pharmacies, and numerous other locations around the state. It’s never been easier to get the COVID-19 vaccine, even on the same day and at your convenience."

Patch has reached out to Phoenix Unified High School District to see if its mask policies have changed and will update this story when we get a response.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.