PHOENIX — The state’s top health official said Monday she’s not concerned that nationally televised photos of Gov. Doug Ducey barefaced at a Trump campaign event undermine the state’s $3 million “mask up†campaign.
“I think we’ve done a really good job of getting the message out on the importance of mask wearing,†Dr. Cara Christ said at a press briefing.
“There are circumstances where it may be safe to not do that,†Christ said, in response to questions about Ducey’s activities last week on the White House lawn.
Christ several times on Monday said the same protocols about covering up are necessary to protect ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ns as the state enters flu season. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ had its worst flu season ever last year.
Even Ducey, asked about his activities, acknowledged the message.
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“I want people to wear a mask,†he said. “I’ve been consistent on this.â€
And what about last week?
“People can exercise their First Amendment rights, whether it’s a protest or a political event, which is what I was at,†Ducey said. Anyway, he said, it “happened to be outdoors.â€
Ducey said that when he is indoors, he wears a mask. That includes grocery stores, businesses, places he cannot socially distance, and “when I’m in the office.â€
Ducey also took off his mask after arriving to speak at a press briefing Monday in Phoenix, but said he had a reason. “I’ve heard from the deaf community that in addition to our skilled sign folks that they sometimes read lips,†he said.
“So, as a courtesy to them, while I’m answering questions I’m going to have the mask off.Then I’ll put it on. And I’ll exit,†he said.
Christ, by contrast, kept her mask on while answering questions ta the event.
This video offers some pros and cons of online education, as many schools and universities have suspended in-person classes due to the spread of the coronavirus.
Photos: Back-to-school in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ during the pandemic
"Mustang Stampede"
Maddy Jacobs, 7, middle, reaches for her remote learning tool kit from her teacher, Kris Green, as her friend, Carly Kupinski, 6, watches during a "Mustang Stampede" at Manzanita Elementary School for the first day of school on August 17, 2020.Â
First Day of School, John B. Wright Elementary
Augusta Iranzi, center, attends his teachers online class while monitors Jasmine Phillip, left, and Nadifo Yusuf, watch students inside a classroom at John B. Wright Elementary School, 4311 E. Linden St., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on August 17, 2020. About 10 students came to school for online instruction under the guidance of classroom monitors.
"Mustang Stampede"
Lily Baser, 8, identifies herself for easy remote learning tool kit pickup during a "Mustang Stampede" at Manzanita Elementary School for the first day of school on August 17, 2020.Â
"Mustang Stampede"
Krista Westmoreland, left, a third grade teacher, shows the remote learning tool kit of a student to Anna Ames, music teacher, during the "Mustang Stampede" at Manzanita Elementary School for the first day of school on August 17, 2020.Â
"Mustang Stampede"
Maya Brown, 9, rides in style for her remote learning tool kit pickup during a "Mustang Stampede" at Manzanita Elementary School for the first day of school on August 17, 2020.Â
"Mustang Stampede"
Multiage teachers Kris Green left, and April Pollow greet and cheer on their students during a "Mustang Stampede" at Manzanita Elementary School for the first day of school on August 17, 2020.Â
"Mustang Stampede"
Maddy Jacobs, 7, left, waves to her teacher as she stands in the sunroof with her friend, Carly Kupinski, 6, during a "Mustang Stampede" to pickup their remote learning tool kit at Manzanita Elementary School for the first day of school on August 17, 2020.Â
"Mustang Stampede"
For the first day of school teachers at Manzanita Elementary School greeted their students during a "Mustang Stampede" and handed out remote learning tool kits on August 17, 2020.Â
"Mustang Stampede"
Kim Boling, principal at Manzanita Elementary School, greets her students and parents with a mustang during the "Mustang Stampede" for the first day of school on August 17, 2020.Â
First Day of School, John B. Wright Elementary
Yarani Martinez gives a monitor a thumbs up to inform the monitor that his online class is working after classes began at John B. Wright Elementary School, 4311 E. Linden St., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on August 17, 2020. About 10 students came to school for online instruction under the guidance of classroom monitors.
First Day of School, John B. Wright Elementary
Alice Flores, right, watches as her grandson Jesus Silva is escorted to the cafeteria before classes began at John B. Wright Elementary School, 4311 E. Linden St., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on August 17, 2020. About 10 students came to school for online instruction under the guidance of classroom monitors.
First Day of School, John B. Wright Elementary
Augusta Iranzi follows the directions on the floor while being escorted to a classroom at John B. Wright Elementary School, 4311 E. Linden St., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on August 17, 2020. About 10 students came to school for online instruction under the guidance of classroom monitors.
