TUCSON, Ariz. — The city of Tucson will require citizens to wear masks in public soon.
In a tweet Wednesday afternoon, following a press conference where Governor Doug Ducey authorized local governments to determine face mask policies, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero tweeted that she will sign her emergency proclamation tomorrow.
Positive step today from Governor @dougducey in untying the hands of local governments on wearing masks.
— Regina Romero (@TucsonRomero) June 18, 2020
This will save lives. I will be signing my emergency proclamation tomorrow. #MaskUpTucson
Romero initially decided to make the move despite no statewide mandate from Gov. Ducey for Arizonans to wear masks in public.
Language in Gov. Ducey's "Returning Stronger" executive order from May initially blocks smaller municipalities from issuing guidance contrary to statewide orders.
Ducey's announcement Wednesday cleared the way for Romero to make the mask mandate across Tucson.
A spokesperson for Romero says there will be time in between when it is signed and when it goes into effect so people know what's included and can obtain a face mask or covering.
On Friday, the Pima County Board of Supervisors will meet to consider options to slow the spread of the virus.
The town of Oro Valley told KGUN 9 that Mayor Winfield is aware of the executive order and he is looking at the best way to proceed based on guidance from the Governor's office.
