It's Monday, March 8.
Ducey Lifts Capacity Limits, Cites Declining COVID-19 Cases
Gov. Doug Ducey on Friday signed an executive order lifting capacity limits for Arizona businesses — including restaurants, gyms, water parks, and bars providing food service.
Ducey says the decision was made in conjunction with a decline in statewide COVID-19 cases.
“Like the rest of the country, Arizona has made its way out of the winter surge of cases,” Ducey said.
Despite a consistent decline, ADHS continues to report infections and related deaths; this morning, health officials reported 783 new cases and no recent deaths.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has categorized bars and indoor dining spaces as “higher risk” areas for virus transmission. Ducey says physical distancing and mask mandates will remain in place for individual businesses, and that the current order will remain effective indefinitely.
NAU Slated For Fall Return To In-Person Classes
Northern Arizona University will return fully to in-person classes during its Fall 2021 semester, according to a statement from President Rita Cheng.
Cheng says NAU’s commencement ceremony for the current spring semester will be conducted virtually. The university reports it has administered COVID-19 vaccines to nearly 5,500 people, including staff, faculty, and student workers. A waitlist for individuals attempting to receive the vaccine is currently full.
Since January, more than 1,000 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed among students, according to the university’s data dashboard. NAU reported it was managing 63 cases as of March 5.
COVID-19 Memorial Day Declared in Flagstaff, Other AZ Cities
Flagstaff Mayor Paul Deasy has designated the first Monday of March to serve as a memorial day for COVID-19 victims and survivors. Deasy made the proclamation last Tuesday during a City Council meeting, citing the lives lost to the pandemic and acknowledging survivors with lingering side effects of the virus. Other mayors across the state have designated March 1 a Memorial Day in communities including Chandler, Phoenix, Buckeye and Tempe, according to the Arizona Republic. U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton has sponsored a House Resolution proposing a nationwide day of remembrance for COVID-19.
Navajo Nation Surpasses 1,200 Deaths From COVID-19 Complications
The Navajo Nation has officially surpassed 1,200 deaths from COVID-19 complications since the start of the pandemic, according to a Sunday report from tribal officials. Case rates have declined dramatically though a daily curfew and stay-at-home order remain effective. Health officials estimated 51,994 people on the reservation had been fully immunized through two doses of COVID-19 vaccine as of Thursday.
Bill Demanding DOC Oversight Passes Through State House
The Arizona House of Representatives has passed a bill demanding “permanent, independent” inspection of the Arizona Department of Corrections. Republican Rep. Walt Blackman introduced the legislation, arguing that recent investigations warranted oversight of the department.
The department of corrections last month was fined more than 1 million dollars after a district judge ruled the state failed to provide adequate healthcare for inmates. A February investigation from KJZZ also found inmates in Arizona could be detained past their release dates due to a department software bug.
“Doing nothing will get more of the same results, waste millions, and jeopardize public safety,” Blackman said in a statement.
If passed, the legislation would enact an oversight office to investigate the department. The bill will now move to the state Senate for further deliberation.
