KINGMAN – As the state and county have seen a downward trend in overall positive tests of COVID-19, with the Labor Day holiday right around the corner, schools opening with hybrid options, and the upcoming flu season, there remains a risk to the well-being of our citizens and additional strain on the healthcare facilities and workers in the City of Kingman.
Based on this, Kingman Mayor Jen Miles will extend the 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, through Thursday, December 31. This proclamation is subject to review prior to the end of the year if the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) benchmarks indicate a manageable COVID-19 positivity rate baseline has been achieved.
ADHS has also created a website, where people can file complaints online https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/infectious-disease-epidemiology/index.php#novel-coronavirus-compliance. The city asks that residents do not call 911 in order to report non-compliance; save 911 calls for medical emergencies.
Kingman Mayor Jen Miles said, “Thank you to everyone who is wearing face coverings and protecting those around them. We are making progress. However, the positivity rates in our county must decline further in order for the Arizona Department of Health Services standards to allow certain businesses in Mohave County to re-open safely. Let’s each do our part to drive down the positivity rate and help them re-open. By wearing masks, we support each other and the efforts of schools and the many businesses whose own policies require face coverings.”
The original proclamation went into effect Wednesday, July 1, at 1 a.m. and would have expired this Sunday, August 30. 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.
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.