CDC Mask Guidance: Scottsdale Removes Mask Mandate

SCOTTSDALE, AZ — Officials in Scottsdale have ended the city's mask requirement, in light of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's updated mask guidelines.

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 Scottsdale had in place.

Scottsdale Mayor David D. Ortega withdrew the city's Jan. 13 emergency proclamation, which put the requirement in place, saying in a statement that the CDC's guidance is another step toward normalcy.

“The CDC’s latest guidance is another signpost on the road back to normal, and it will be a relief to many. But we still have to be smart, and cautious, because COVID is not gone – we cannot declare ‘all clear’ yet,” Ortega said in a statement. “Vaccinations are proven effective and have helped us get to this point. We ask people in Scottsdale to treat others with courtesy, respect, and with awareness of the health concerns that remain about this deadly virus.”

Patch has reached out to Scottsdale Unified School District about its mask requirement and will update this story once they respond.