PHOENIX — There's a renewed push across Arizona to get residents to wear a face mask in hopes of slowing the spread of the coronavirus.
The requests and requirements stretch from city leaders like Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego to some schools like the Kyrene School District.
Gallego took to Twitter to explain the importance of protecting each other during the peak of the pandemic in our state.
"We are still in a public health crisis, I understand that everyone is getting mixed messages," she said.
The message Gallego is sending now is #MaskUpAZ.
"I would try to avoid very much any type of situation where you're up close and personal with people who are not wearing masks," she added.
The mayor agrees with public health experts, like the nearly 700 physicians who recently signed a petition that masks and face coverings keep COVID-19 from spreading.
"I wear a mask to protect you, you wear a mask to protect me," Gallego added to her post.
We reached out to Gov. Doug Ducey's office to see if they are considering allowing city mayors to make the call, we have not heard back yet.
Meanwhile, Valley school districts like Kyrene are revising their return-to-school plan to include face masks for all students and staff inside the classroom.
Erin Helm, director of communications for the district, said safety is key in keeping students from contracting coronavirus.
"Face coverings will be required in our schools for both students and staff whenever physical distancing isn't possible. It appears that our classrooms are likely going to have more than 15 students, and 15 students are about that mark where we're not able to keep six feet of distance around individual students," she explained.
RELATED: Leaders across Arizona say wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing is as essential as ever
The district strictly makes decisions based on the CDC guidelines and while they understand it may not be everyone's preference, they have to prioritize personal safety for both staff and students.
"Guidelines are likely to change based on the most current recommendations and our plan is certainly flexible for that as well," she told 12 News.
Additionally, some local restaurants are also requiring customers to wear masks prior to being seated in order to maintain safety in public places for staff and patrons as well.
