Pine Bluff Mayor Shirley Washington on Wednesday said in a statement that the city will still require face coverings, despite Governor Asa Hutchinson’s decision to lift the statewide mask mandate.
Here is Washington’s statement.
In response to the governor lifting the state-wide mask mandate, the City of Pine Bluff will still require facial coverings for those in city buildings. We encourage local businesses and organizations to retain similar requirements in their facilities. And we urge everyone to continue wearing masks when in public. This is based on advice from the CDC and Arkansas Health Department, advising individuals to keep wearing masks in these circumstances.
The governor supported this approach yesterday by encouraging Arkansans to respect mask policies in their own communities, despite the state-wide mandate being lifted.
The pandemic is not over. COVID-19 infections are rising in states around the country. And Arkansas is still at risk for a surge, especially if masks are not worn. Adhering to this safeguard can help us maintain low numbers and defend the progress we’ve made against the virus. Someday, our need for masks will end. But that day has not yet come. Until then, we must remain patient and follow health advice.
