Over the past year, we have all been faced with unprecedented challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Town of Gilbert has remained focused on the safety of our residents and slowing the spread while continuing to provide vital services to our residents. As we continue to see a decline in the rate of positive cases and an increased number of vaccinations, I sincerely hope we can move closer to our pre-pandemic lives and activities while respecting the different perspectives and needs of our fellow community members.
On Thursday, March 25, 2021, Governor Doug Ducey released Executive Order 2021-06 which made changes to many of the existing restrictions that were implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Governor’s order ended any government mask mandates, including the one issued by Maricopa County under which our residents have been operating.
We continue to recommend that our residents use face coverings and maintain social distancing in town facilities and at events, but masks will not be mandated. Gilbert will continue with its wide offering of online services as well as online participation options for Town Council meetings. In person attendance at Town Council meetings is also available with physical distancing and disinfecting protocols still in place. You can learn more about online services, virtual participation at council meetings and find the latest COVID-19 related information at www.gilbertaz.gov/COVID19.
Under the Governor’s most recent order, private businesses can determine and implement their own mitigation measures, including face coverings and distance requirements outside of any oversight or authority by the Town of Gilbert. Riders and operators of public transit must continue to wear face coverings in accordance with a Federal Mandate from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
We are encouraged by the decreased number of COVID-19 cases and I encourage residents to continue to protect themselves and their families by following the guidance of the CDC and the Arizona Department of Health Services. I am sincerely grateful to our community members who have helped to slow the spread and who continue to respect the different perspectives and needs of individuals and businesses.
- Mayor Brigette Peterson
