Numerous cities, states, schools and businesses across the country put mask mandates back in place. The new rules come after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s new guidelines recommending vaccinated, in addition to unvaccinated people wear a mask indoors in parts of the U.S. where COVID-19 is surging.
In Arizona, the City of Tucson will require in all city facilities, regardless of vaccination status. There are also mandates in Phoenix, Peoria and Tempe. Peoria’s requirement took effect Thursday, and Tempe’s mandate takes effect Friday. The Tempe mandate exempts children under 6. A similar requirement in Phoenix takes effect Monday, according to a city statement.
In Florida, two mayors are announcing mask and vaccine mandates, in defiance of Gov. Ron DeSantis. Masks will again be required at indoor facilities in Miami-Dade County. In Orange County, home to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, Mayor Jerry Demings took it a step further. He announced all 4,200 nonunion county employees will be required to get their first coronavirus vaccine shot by the end of August, and the second shot by the end of September.
Disney World announced on its website beginning July 30, face coverings will be required for all guests ages two and up while indoors and in Disney buses, monorail and Disney Skyliner.
In Alabama, public health officials are recommending that all students and teachers wear masks this school year due to a surge in COVID-19 cases. However, a spokesperson for Gov. Kay Ivey said she will not issue a statewide mask mandate. “The American people, Governor Ivey included, are understandably frustrated with the changing goal post and whiplash over the CDC’s COVID-19 guidance,” Gina Maiola said.
In Kansas, Governor Laura Kelly said she will order all state employees to wear masks indoors at work if they can’t socially distance, regardless of whether or not they are vaccinated. “Playing politics with this disease has caused confusion and ultimately suffering and death,” Gov. Kelly said. “We know that almost every single Kansan who has COVID now and is in an intensive care unit bed is unvaccinated. By the time you reach the ICU, it is too late.” Kansas’ mandate takes effect Monday.
