City of Surprise issued the following announcement on June 19
In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19, Surprise Mayor Skip Hall, with support of the Surprise City Council, has issued a Declaration of Emergency Proclamation requiring face coverings within the City of Surprise with limited exceptions.
Effective Saturday, June 20, every person over the age of two is required to wear a face covering while in all public settings within the City of Surprise where it is difficult to maintain a minimum physical distance of six (6) feet from others who do not live in the same residence. This includes, but is not limited to, grocery stores, retail stores, pharmacies, restaurants and bars (when not seated at a table), recreational facilities, libraries, public transportation, public places where lines or crowds form, and special events.
The action follows Governor Doug Ducey’s June 17 Executive Order, which gives cities the authority to adopt policies regarding the wearing of face coverings in public for the purpose of mitigating the spread of COVID-19. Face coverings are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Arizona Department of Health Services as a way to protect against the spread of coronavirus. For information on proper wearing and washing of face coverings, visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
The city’s proclamation makes exemptions for individuals who are unable to wear a face covering due to a health condition or disability and for those whose religious beliefs prevent them from wearing one. Also exempt are those who fall under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance for those who should not wear a face covering.
Face coverings are not required while exercising or engaging in athletic activity if a minimum of six (6) feet physical distancing can be maintained.
Enforcement of this proclamation will focus first on educating and working to promote best practices; however, repeat violations may result in a civil citation or fine.
Read the Declaration of Emergency Proclamation
Additionally, the city will be closing City Hall and other city administrative buildings to the public effective 5 p.m. Friday, June 19 until further notice. Select entrances will be open for Primary Election voting only from July 8 through August 4.
While City Hall is closed to the public, city business will continue to be conducted and core services will not be affected, including fire-medical, police, trash, water and other essential city services.
With the reclosing of City Hall, limited staff will be on site and other staff will be telecommuting.
The following city facilities will be closed to the public for walk-in services, although select services are available by appointment:
- City Hall (including service counters for: City Clerk, Cashier, Development Services)
- EXCEPTION FOR VOTING: City Hall is a designated polling place for the Primary Election. The City Hall Community Room will be open for voting July 8 - August 4. To access the Community Room, please enter through the north or south entrance to City Hall at the Mayor’s Atrium (eastern end of the building). View Map. For more information on the election or to register to vote, please visit https://recorder.maricopa.gov/
- Fire Administration
- Senior Center (meal delivery and pick-up will continue)
- Parks & Recreation Offices
- Countryside, Sierra Montana & Villanueva Recreation Centers
- Police Department
- Fire Stations
- City Court
- Surprise Resource Center
The city’s outdoor parks and recreation facilities and amenities that have reopened will remain open.
For information on how to conduct city business during this time, please visit the city’s COVID-19 webpage at surpriseaz.gov/COVID-19 or call 623.222.1900.
The city reminds residents that in addition to wearing face coverings over your nose and mouth, the following recommendations have been issued by public health authorities and are also recommended by the city of Surprise to best protect our community:
- Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people
- Do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands
- Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care
Original source can be found here.
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