KINGMAN – There has been a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases throughout the State of Arizona and within Mohave County that increases risk to the well-being of citizens and poses potential strains on the healthcare facilities and workers in the City of Kingman. Mayor Jen Miles has issued a proclamation that requires people to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth whenever they are patrons of businesses within the City of Kingman. The city asks that residents DO NOT call 911 in order to report non-compliance; save 911 calls for medical emergencies.
The proclamation goes into effect on Wednesday, July 1, at 1 a.m. and will last until at least August 1. It requires every person in the City of Kingman, ages six and over to cover their nose and mouth whenever they enter places of business that serve the public.
Kingman Mayor Jen Miles said, “I know this action will be viewed by many with disdain and anger. I know others will welcome it as long overdue. I would ask that regardless of your position, please support the civil and social contract that binds us as members of our beloved city. Let us protect each other, care for each other, and do the simple behavior that is proven to help flatten the curve – wear a mask.”
Any business whose employees cannot observe physical distancing, must require face coverings; including those that interact with the public. Businesses also have the right to refuse service to anyone not wearing a face covering.
Kingman Police will work to educate the public on this order, and when possible, provide face coverings. Upon complaint, available officers will share information with residents who are not in compliance with the order. This will include CDC guidelines suggesting wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where social distancing is difficult to maintain. The City intends to lead with education and providing information to the community.
A face covering is considered any type of fabric or cloth that can safely cover your nose and mouth. These can be store-bought (mask, scarf or bandana) or home-made using traditional fabrics used for clothing and other materials (cotton, poly-blends, etc.) A face covering must cover the nose and mouth.
People who are exempt from wearing face covering include:
a. While at an establishment, building or office space that has less than 10 persons provided that Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommended social distancing is maintained between each person.
b. For those who fall into the CDC’s guidance for those who should not wear face coverings due to a medical or mental health condition or developmental disability.
c. For children under six (6) years old.
d. As part of a religious ceremony or service.
e. For restaurant or similar business patrons while they are eating or drinking. If a patron is not seated at their table or other designated eating area, a face covering is required if social distancing cannot be accomplished.
f. For individuals exercising outdoors, or while walking or exercising with other people who are within a small group of people they are closely and frequently associated with, as long as physical distancing from others is maintained. For individuals congregating outdoors with other people not within a small group of people they are closely and frequently associated with, face coverings are required when physical distancing is not maintained.
g. In settings where it is not practical or feasible to wear a face covering, including when obtaining or rendering goods or services, such as the receipt of dental services, medical treatments or while swimming.
h. When a person is in an office or vehicle (or similar space) where others are not present.
i. For public safety employees and/or emergency responders and/or field employees engaged in essential functions, when wearing the face covering would interfere with or limit their ability to carry out their duties or functions.
j. For individuals complying with the directions of public safety employees.
k. At federal, state, and other Mohave County facilities.
· For the purposes of this order, “place of public accommodation” means facilities, establishments, accommodations, services, commodities, or any use off eredto or for use by the general public, including public places where food or beverages are offered 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, except for religious organizations.
· In compliance with Executive Order No. 2020-40, enforcement of this proclamation shall focus on education and providing guidance issued by the Arizona Department of Health Services in order to promote the health and safety of Kingman residents as well as to further contain the spread of COVID-19. Individuals shall also be given an opportunity to comply with the proclamation before any enforcement action is taken.
Private businesses and venues shall enforce this proclamation by asking any person failing to comply with the emergency proclamation to leave their premises. By allowing people/patrons to remain on the premises without a face covering as described above, is a violation of this emergency proclamation.
