City Proclamation Rescinds Mask Mandate
for Vaccinated Residents
New Mandate Takes Effect Today, June 1
Casa Grande, AZ – The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted people worldwide and remains the worst public health crisis faced in the United States in over a century. More than 33 million Americans contracted COVID-19 with 879,000 cases landing in Arizona. Over 590,000 Americans have lost their lives including 17,500 Arizonans. Nearly 900 of them were Pinal County residents. A trending decrease in virus caseload has finally taken ahold nationally along with an upward tick of local vaccinations. In turn, City of Casa Grande Mayor Craig McFarland has introduced a Proclamation that rescinds the mask mandate as of today, June 1, 2021.
According to McFarland, City efforts introduced through the expiring mandate and local community resolve helped to curb COVID-19 community spread.
“I am very proud of how Casa Grande residents came together to create a significant decline in the number of cases,” said McFarland. “As more citizens get vaccinated, we will get even closer to achieving responsible herd immunity.”
Studies show that full vaccination affords greater than 90% effectiveness at preventing both mild and severe COVID infection – which has helped spark a decline in the number and rate of cases. In accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations, fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing masks or physically distancing except where required by federal, state, local, tribal or territorial laws, rules and regulations including local business and workplace guidance.
While this Order rescinds the requirement for face coverings in City-owned facilities, the City Court remains subject to the direction of the Arizona Supreme Court and Superior Court of Pinal County and may continue requiring face coverings on and in its premises. Nothing in this new order affects requirements for wearing face coverings in public transportation or as otherwise currently required by federal law or regulation.
Restaurants can resume full-capacity dining without restrictions and events are no longer limited to size or mitigation measures for approval. City libraries, parks and recreation center will return to normal business hours. Residents may resume in-person attendance at City Council, Boards and Commission meetings and make public comment at those meetings. The temporary moratorium has also expired on late fees for unpaid utility billings and shutoffs, as well as the extension of pet or business licenses.
Nothing in this latest Proclamation prevents a business from setting its own stricter standards for masking and social distancing or from refusing access to anyone not in compliance with those private standards. Folks that have yet to receive vaccination are still urged to wear face coverings and physically distance according to current CDC guidelines.
“I urge all citizens to continue to practice good hygiene,” said McFarland, “and to remain socially aware and conscious of the continued presence of the virus in our community. It’s up to all of us to make sure we continue to succeed.”
The City will continue to help educate and encourage the public on the importance of getting fully vaccinated. Watch this video from Mayor McFarland to learn more details about the latest Proclamation. Visit Pinal County to learn where and how you can join your neighbors and friends in getting vaccinated.
