Arizona’s stay-at-home order will be extended for another two weeks to continue slowing the spread of coronavirus in the state.
Governor Doug Ducey made the announcement Wednesday afternoon at a press conference along with health and emergency officials. Under the order, schools, universities, gyms, bars, restaurants and many other businesses in the state will remain closed through May 15 to encourage physical distancing.
Ducey said, however, that Arizona’s economy will begin to gradually reopen throughout next month, with the partial easing of restrictions on retail. The governor also said he’s been in discussions with restaurant owners in the state to possibly open limited dine-in service next month, but any decisions will be made according to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In addition, Ducey said travel restrictions to New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, which have been heavily impacted by COVID-19, will also stay in effect.
While the surge in COVID-19 cases is declining, the governor said health officials don’t yet see a trend that would allow the lifting of all restrictions.
The state will dramatically ramp up testing for coronavirus throughout May with Saturday testing blitz events. Anyone who thinks they may be infected or those who were exposed to the disease can receive a test at drive-up facilities throughout the state.