Frequently Asked Questions
On June 22, 2020, the City of Eloy issued a proclamation regarding the use of mask/face coverings in Eloy within businesses and public spaces.
When did Eloy’s face covering proclamation go into effect?
Monday, June 22, 2020, when the City Council approved the proclamation, and there is no date for lifting this requirement at this time.
Who is required to wear a face covering?
Anyone over the age of six is required to wear a mask or face covering if they are in a public space, and where physical distancing (6 feet separation) is difficult to maintain.
What are the exceptions?
• Those who fall into the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance for those who should not wear face coverings due to a medical or mental health condition or developmental disability.
• For restaurant patrons while they are seated at a table and eating and drinking.
• People exercising outdoors, or while walking or exercising with other people from the same household, as long as physical distancing from others is maintained.
• If you are receiving a service where it is not practical or feasible to wear a face covering, such as a dental cleaning or medical treatment, then a face covering is not required.
• When a person is in a personal or work office or vehicle (or similar space) where others are not present.
• For public safety employees, emergency responders, and field employees engaged in essential functions where a face covering impedes their ability to perform their job.
• For individuals complying with the directions of public safety employees.
What is a “public place”?
A place of public accommodation means a facility, establishment, accommodation, service, commodity, or use offered to or for use by the general public, including public places where food or beverages are provided for sale, public places operated for temporary lodging, use or accommodation of those seeking health or recreation, and all establishments offering such goods or facilities, and entities soliciting patronage from the general public.
I have a medical condition, do I need a doctor’s note?
No, you do not need to have a doctor’s note and are not required to produce one. You are not required to wear face coverings if you have a medical, mental health, or developmental condition, or
if you are unable to remove the face covering without assistance or you cannot wear a face covering under the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance.
Are face coverings required in bars and restaurants?
Restaurant patrons do not have to wear a face covering when they are seated at their table or eating or drinking. People entering and exiting a bar or restaurant must be wearing a face covering anytime they are not seated at their table. Even if just going to the restroom, a face covering is required.
According to the Governor’s Additional Guidance, issued on June 18, 2020, restaurants are required to enforce physical distancing of 6 feet in their seating areas. Cloth masks and frequent hand washing is also required for all servers, host staff, and employees that interact with customers.
If more than one person is working in an office, should they be wearing face coverings? What if customers are present in the office or workspace, are face coverings required?
When a person is working in their personal or employer’s workspace, face coverings are not required so long as others are not present, and the public does not regularly visit the space.
If an employee is in their personal office space, no face covering is required. If they are in a common area, like a breakroom or hallway, a face covering is required.
Are face coverings required in gyms while people are working out?
If you are in a gym and you have the capability of being within 6 feet of individuals on machines or weights, or if you are walking around to different pieces of equipment, you should wear a face covering.
If you are taking a fitness or yoga class at the gym and are set up 6-feet away from the others in the class, you can remove your face covering while in that space. When the class is over, you should again wear your face covering as you gather up your belongings to leave the area.
If you are exercising outside, such as walking, jogging, or bicycling, no face covering is required
Do I have to wear a face covering while swimming?
No, face coverings are not required while swimming, but physical distancing should be maintained. Face coverings should be used in locker rooms.
I work outside, do I need to wear a face covering?
People working outside while following CDC guidelines and adhering to physical distancing of 6 feet do not need to wear a face covering. If you are working outdoors and are in close contact with other individuals, you should be wearing a face covering.
Can I carry a concealed weapon and wear a face covering?
Yes, face coverings can be worn while carrying a concealed weapon. If a crime is committed while concealing your identity with a face covering of any kind, it may be an aggravating factor at the time of sentencing if convicted for that crime.
What are the consequences of not wearing a face covering?
Enforcement of this proclamation will be through education since the COVID-19 outbreak is an important public health issue affecting everyone. Individuals will be given an opportunity to comply with this proclamation before any enforcement action is taken.
Private businesses and retail stores are expected to enforce the requirement to wear a face covering. They can do so by asking any person failing to comply with this proclamation by: Offering a mask to the patron; Isolating the patron from others wearing a mask in the place of business; Asking them to leave their premises.
View State of Arizona requirements for businesses at azgovernor.gov/sites/default/files/requirements_for_businesses.pdf
View State of Arizona requirements for restaurants and bars providing dine-in services at azgovernor.gov/sites/default/files/requirements_for_restaurants.pdf
When does the requirement expire?
The proclamation is in effect until it is terminated by the City Council, or until the Governor revokes the authorization given to cities and towns in Arizona.
Who do I call for questions or to report violations?
For questions on the proclamation, please call 520-466-9201. To report violations, call Eloy Police’s non-emergency line at 520-466-7324.