Arizona Governor Doug Ducey issued a statewide stay-at-home orderMonday to try to limit the spread of COVID-19.
It bars residents from leaving their homes except for food, medicine and other essentials. The order follows new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and comes at the recommendation of public health officials. It will take effect tomorrow at 5 p.m. and remain in effect until at least April 30. Grocery stores, pharmacies and other essential services along with takeout service from restaurants will remain open.
“Keeping Arizonans safe and healthy as we slow the spread of COVID-19 remains our top priority,” said Ducey in a press release. “Arizona citizens and businesses are already responsibly responding to this crisis. This order builds on the state’s efforts to protect public health by reminding Arizonans to maintain healthy habits and find alternative ways to stay connected with friends and loved ones while spending time at home. Slowing the spread of COVID-19 will ensure we build capacity in our healthcare system, and help protect the lives of those we love most. It’s important to emphasize that there are no plans to shut down grocery stores. People should continue to buy what you need for a week’s worth of groceries. I’m grateful to everyone making adjustments to fight this virus and protect others. Arizona will get through this, and we’ll do it together.”
Under the order, running, hiking and other outdoor activities are allowed as long as people physically distance from one another. In addition, residents can still seek medical, behavioral and emergency health services care for family members, friends or pets. Free speech, religion, voting, or any court process and other constitutionally allowed activities also are not prohibited.
