Kingman repeals mask requirement imposed to fight coronavirus

article

Surgical face masks are photographed for illustration photo during the spread of coronavirus. Krakow, Poland on April 24, 2020. The rule of covering the nose and mouth in public places with face masks, carves or handkerchiefs came into force from Apr

Expand

KINGMAN, Ariz. - Kingman has joined two other Mohave County cities in repealing a local mask mandate imposed to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.

The City Council voted 4-3 on Oct. 20 to repeal the requirement that people over age 6 wear face coverings when entering places of business, The Miner reported.

Mayor Jen Miles had extended Kingman’s requirement in August through 2020, and the council voted 5-2 in September to keep the proclamation in effect through Tuesday pending a review.

Miles voted against lifting the mandate.

SIGN UP FOR FOX 10 PHOENIX EMAIL ALERTS

Bullhead City and Lake Havasu City, the county’s other two population centers, lifted their mask mandates last month.

Arizona was a national hotspot for COVID-19 during June and July but cases and hospitalizations statewide declined dramatically after new restrictions, including local mask requirements, were imposed or re-imposed. Cases and hospitalizations have increased in recent weeks but remain far below the summer’s peak levels.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death. The vast majority of people recover.

In order to protect yourself from a possible infection, the CDC recommends: 

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Monitor your health daily

MAP: Worldwide interactive Coronavirus case data

MAP: Arizona Coronavirus cases by zip code

FULL COVERAGE: fox10phoenix.com/coronavirus

CDC: How coronavirus spreads, symptoms, prevention, treatment, FAQ

Arizona COVID-19 resources, FAQ: azdhs.gov/coronavirus

On CoronavirusNOW.com, you'll find extensive coverage about COVID-19, including breaking news from around the country, exclusive interviews with health officials, and informative content from a variety of public health resources.

RELATED:

• Does wearing a face mask protect you from coronavirus and other infectious diseases?
• Should you cancel your trip? CDC urges travelers to avoid several countries impacted by coronavirus
• Coronavirus more contagious than SARS or MERS, can live on surfaces for up to 9 days, studies say

Symptoms for coronavirus COVID-19 include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. These, of course, are similar to the common cold and flu. 

Expect a common cold to start out with a sore or scratchy throat, cough, runny and/or stuffy nose. Flu symptoms are more intense and usually come on suddenly, and can include a high fever. 

Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear more slowly. They usually include fever, a dry cough and noticeable shortness of breath, according to the World Health Organization. A minority of cases develop pneumonia, and the disease is especially worrisome for the elderly and those with other medical problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes or heart conditions.

RELATED: Is it the flu, a cold or COVID-19? Different viruses present similar symptoms

Right now there's one big difference between flu and coronavirus: A vaccine exists to help prevent the flu and it's not too late to get it. It won't protect you from catching the coronavirus, but may put you in a better position to fight it.

To protect yourself, wash your hands well and often, keep them away from your face, and avoid crowds and standing close to people.

And if you do find yourself showing any of these flu or coronavirus symptoms - don't go straight to your doctor's office. That just risks making more people sick, officials urge. Call ahead, and ask if you need to be seen and where.