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Ducey Extends Gym, Bar, Waterpark Closure, Changes Plans For Schools Reopening

Associated Press

Governor Doug Ducey yesterday announced the state will extend the closure of gyms, bars, nightclubs, and waterparks indefinitely in the midst of the pandemic.

Ducey said the closures and widespread use of face masks are working.  He said disease metrics in Arizona are quote “headed in the right direction,” with downward trends in daily new cases and COVID patients in ICU beds, the closures are working. He credited local mayors for mandating mask wearing.  The Governor also said yesterday that public schools won't be required to reopen for in-person learning as expected in mid-August as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread. Instead the state Health Services Department will develop a set of scientific guidelines that school districts and local public health officials can use to determine if it is safe to do so. Ducey and Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman announced the upcoming school year will include options for both in-person and online instruction, and that schools will be required to develop face-covering policies. Ducey pledged additional funding to schools and said the Arizona Department of Health Services will develop benchmarks to determine reopening dates.