Gov. Doug Ducey says going outside is OK but follow distancing standards

PHOENIX – Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said Tuesday there was nothing wrong with taking a walk while the coronavirus-related stay-at-home order was in effect. Just abide by the federal guidelines of social distancing, he said.

“We’re not going to put out a directive that doesn’t allow people to leave their homes,” Ducey told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s The Mike Broomhead Show hours before a statewide stay-at-home order was to go into effect.

The order, announced Monday, goes in place at 5 p.m.

“Under the force of law … physical distancing can be enforced. That’s what we’re asking people to do.”

Most people, he said, have been behaving responsibly.

Under the order, all Arizona residents must remain in their homes for the next month except for essential needs to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

But, Ducey said, “I hope there’s no conflict on the fact that you can physically distance in Arizona and go outside for a walk.”

Again, follow the federal guidelines on social distancing, he said.

“You don’t want to go out for a walk and be right next to each other,” the two-term Republican said.

More than 1,200 people in the state have been infected with COVID-19 and 24 have died, the Arizona Department of Health Services said Tuesday.

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