Following Gov. Doug Ducey’s executive order March 25 easing COVID-19 restrictions throughout the state as the number of new coronavirus infections continues to decline, the city of Goodyear announced on its website and social media pages that face coverings will no longer be required in public places, including city buildings and parks, effective immediately.
While Executive Order 2021-06 bars municipalities like Goodyear from requiring face coverings in public settings and approval of public events drawing more than 50 people, and transitions rules for bars, restaurants and gyms from requirements to recommendations, it gives local governments the option to continue enforcing mitigation policies in city facilities and at city-sponsored events.
Nearby Litchfield Park is considering requiring masks to be worn in city facilities through May 1, City Manager Matthew Williams said Thursday.
Private businesses can still require patrons to wear masks and limit capacity inside their establishments.
While many cheered the changes in Goodyear, not everyone was happy.
“So even though the CDC, who has a lot more say in the matter than the governor does, says to continue with masks, the city is not following those guidelines?” Michelle Joplin Bianchi responded on the city’s Facebook post Thursday evening.
Fellow commenter Megan Anderson responded with three “sad” emojis.
Here’s what the city says on its website:
Face coverings: No longer required but encouraged in public places, including city buildings and parks.
Good practices: Social distancing, good hygiene practices and staying home when you’re sick are still strongly encouraged per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Large gatherings: Events of more than 50 people will no longer need the approval of the city, but should continue to follow safe practices and CDC recommendations, including physical distancing. This includes various recreational leagues including youth sports.
Spring training: Mask wearing and distancing at spring training games at Goodyear Ballpark are still in effect, per the requirements of Major League Baseball.
Businesses: Private businesses may elect to implement their own face covering or physical distancing rules, including restaurants and bars.
Schools: Face coverings are still required in all K-12 Arizona schools per Department of Health Services requirements.
To view the governor’s executive order, visit https://azgovernor.gov/sites/default/files/eo_2021-06.pdf.
The city announcement noted that while restrictions have been lifted, GoodyearCares is still providing referrals for residents that need assistance with utility bills, rent or mortgage, getting food on the table, income tax preparation and special programs for veterans or people with disabilities.
For more information on assistance, visit goodyearaz.gov/help or call 623-882-7801.
Schools requirements
The executive order does not overturn Arizona Department of Health Services’ AZDHS Emergency Measure 2020-04, which requires school districts to have a face-covering policy in place.
Kelly O’Sullivan can be reached at kosullivan@newszap.com or 760-963-1697.
Kelly O’Sullivan News Editor | Litchfield Park& Goodyear @AzNewsmedia
Kelly O’Sullivan is a longtime journalist who joined Independent Newsmedia in January 2020, after returning to the Valley from Twentynine Palms, California, where she worked for eight years as a communications specialist for the U.S. Marine Corps. When she’s not covering stories of interest to Litchfield Park, Goodyear and other Southwest Valley residents, she stays busy rediscovering Arizona and photographing its spectacular landscapes and wildlife.
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