Parts of reopening in Arizona have been delayed as a response to a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases.
Bars, gyms and movie theaters must stay closed in addition to the start of school being delayed. The executive order by Gov. Doug Ducey went into effect at 8 p.m. on June 29, Arizona Public Media reported.
“I’ve asked for a lot of patience. And I’m going to ask for some more patience as we go forward. This pandemic is incredible in terms of the sacrifices that it’s asking all of our citizens to continue to participate,” Ducey said during his briefing. “Our numbers continue to increase in Arizona. They are going in the wrong direction and we’re going to take some additional actions today to contain this virus and get back on track.”
Water parks must also stay closed and certain mass gatherings were banned. Before reopening on the target date of 30 days, these businesses must show they follow public health regulations.
But Arizona school reopening are still scheduled for Aug. 17.
Municipalities have some leeway to issue permits, but outdoor or indoor events of 50 or more people were prohibited by Ducey’s order, Arizona Public Media reported. Places of worship and political events may be exempt as his order states freedom of speech and religion are constitutionally protected.
When Ducey attended a recent rally for President Donald Trump in Phoenix, he wore a mask – unlike many of those in attendance. Though he urged residents to stay home and wear masks, his order did not require them to wear face masks, nor did he issue a stay-at-home order, Arizona Public Media reported.
All staff and every inmate at state correctional facilities will get a mask, according to Arizona Public Media.
The governor said during his briefing that 22% of hospitalizations are of people in the 20 to 44 age group. The objective with the order remains to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
“We've done that before and we need to do that again," he said during his briefing.
Ducey called the spike in confirmed coronavirus cases and hospitalizations a "brutal situation," Arizona Public Media reported. Coronavirus patients in ICU beds and using in-patient beds continue to rise.
Hospitals are being asked to get ready for surges in coronavirus patients and the need to stop nonessential procedures. Banner Health told Arizona Public Media ICU beds have filled some facilities with the state’s largest hospital group almost to capacity, causing them to activate their surge plans.
Arizona is encouraging people to get tested as the state builds capacity for more testing.