Masks to stay on in public schools despite state mandate ending How the mask mandate lift affects downtown schools (Hailey Rein/Downtown Devil) Update: On April 20, 2021, Gov. Doug Ducey rescinded the order requiring K-12 to mandate masks. For more information, read here. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey may have ended the state mandate on wearing masks, but the face coverings will stay up in schools, according to Arizona educators. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, announced that in Fall 2021, school districts and charter schools are required to mandate that masks are worn on campus, on school buses, and during school-associated activities by all faculty, staff, students, contractors and visitors.