Arizona cities are changing their policies on face coverings.
The move comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended vaccinated people resume wearing masks indoors and in high-risk areas. Previously, masks were optional for vaccinated people in city buildings and facilities.
According to the Maricopa County Health Department’s COVID-19 dashboard, most Valley cities are experiencing high community transmission rates. The most recent data from July 22 showed Phoenix with 103.69 new cases per 100,000 people and more than 13.39% of COVID-19 tests reported as positive.
Phoenix will resume face covering requirements on Monday, Aug. 2. In an email to KJZZ, a city representative wrote: