Arizona Governor Doug Ducey announces phase 1 reopening procedures for Arizona.
“Arizona is headed in the right direction. Get your haircut, get something to eat, and head home. That’s where it’s safest.”
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey
By Jon Johnson
PHOENIX – During a news conference Monday, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey announced the reopening dates for salons and barbershops for this Friday, May 8, and restaurants to open for dine-in services May 11 – with caveats.
Retail shopping was also allowed to open Monday, May 4 with limited service including by appointment, curbside pickup, or delivery with a full reopening Friday, May 8 with strict physical distancing and CDC guidelines. Gyms, pools, and other fitness businesses will be next to open but he didn’t give a date.
“It will be a gradual and phased-in process,” Ducey said. “We’re going to balance public health, and we’re going to prioritize public health while planning to return stronger as a state over the course of time. We’re going to increase testing to return while maintaining strong physical distancing . . . Then we’re going to return based on the recommendations by the CDC and health experts through May and June.”
Barbershops and hair/nail salons will be allowed to resume services Friday if they limit occupancy, implement physical distancing and comprehensive sanitation measures and provide masks for employees and visitors.
Restaurants will be allowed to offer dine-in services on Monday, May 11, if they also limit occupancy, implement physical distancing between diners and comprehensive sanitation protocols, and check employees for COVID-19 symptoms prior to starting a shift.
While announcing the opening of businesses, Ducey advised vulnerable adults to continue to limit their time away from home and encouraged others to continue to do their part.
Arizona Department of Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ and Major General Mick McGuire joined Gov. Ducey during the news conference and gave updates from their perspective positions as well.
Ducey advised that he made the decision to reopen some of the businesses due to the lowering percentage of cases over the past 14 days and the availability of hospital beds for those who may contract the virus.
While more cases may be entered into the state’s database due to the testing blitz and more tests being administered, Ducey said it is important to note that the percentage of cases. He advised that the testing blitz will be expanded and more positive cases are likely to be found.
“Whenever you are testing more people, you’re going to have more cases,” Ducey said. “So, more tests will result in more cases. What’s important is to remember the percentage of positive tests – the percentage of people (who) contract COVID-19. And that is what is on the downward trajectory.”
Ducey advised that if a spike ensues from reopening he wouldn’t hesitate to close up again and that Arizona is prepared for the pandemic if it comes back stronger.
“We’re headed in the right direction,” Ducey said.”
