Jean Clare Sarmiento/KJZZ

The Maricopa County Community College District has announced on Aug. 12, 2021, that it will reinstate its indoor masking requirements.

The Maricopa County Community College District has announced it will reinstate its indoor masking requirements. Masks will now be required in all 10 of its colleges across the Phoenix metro area, the district said in a Thursday statement. 

“The Maricopa Community Colleges’ goal throughout the pandemic has been to protect our community’s health and wellbeing,” said MCCCD Interim Chancellor, Dr. Steven R. Gonzales. “Requiring our students, faculty, and staff to wear face coverings is another step in the right direction for our Colleges to begin the fall semester safely."

This policy applies to all regardless of vaccination status and because of this, the district said it believes this is in line with an executive order and new state law that has yet to take effect. 

"We understand that not everyone may be able or willing to be vaccinated, and our intent is to respect each individual within our community while also addressing the safety concerns associated with the current circumstances," Gonzales said. 

This comes a day after Arizona public universities made similar announcements. The district and the universities continue to strongly recommend vaccines. 

MCCCD plans to host vaccine clinics on each of our college campuses for students and the public. MCCCD students who receive the vaccine at one of our college campuses will receive a $50 grocery gift card while supplies last.

EDITOR'S NOTE: KJZZ is licensed to the Maricopa County Community College District.