Here’s what it means when Arizona business benchmarks are met
Aug 26, 2020, 4:45 AM | Updated: 9:18 am
PHOENIX — Much of Arizona, including the Phoenix and Tucson metros, is on pace to reach opening status when the health department’s COVID-19 business benchmarks are updated Thursday morning.
The benchmarks are part of the Arizona Department of Health Services’ reopening procedures for businesses that were closed under Gov. Doug Ducey’s June 29 closure order — indoor gyms, bars/nightclubs, indoor theaters, water parks and tubing operators.
Those businesses can resume operations – after pledging to follow capacity restrictions and other health requirements, which vary by industry — in counties in the moderate range in all three benchmarks for at least the most recent two weeks of metrics.
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The moderate spread range is defined as 10-100 cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 residents, a PCR test positive percentage rate of 5-10% and a rate of hospital visits for COVID-like illness of 5-10%.
Further reopening will be permitted when spread improves to the minimal level for at least two weeks, defined as fewer than 10 cases per 100,000 residents, a positive test rate below 5% and a hospital COVID-like illness rate below 5%.
The state’s COVID-19 data dashboard for business benchmarks is updated every Thursday.
Last week, four counties – Yavapai, Cochise, Greenlee and Coconino — were in the moderate stage or better in all three benchmarks.
On Tuesday, Health Director Dr. Cara Christ said in a blog post she expected Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal counties to enter the moderate stage.
Navajo and Apache counties were on pace to enter the moderate stage this week if their cases per 100,000 remained low enough, but Christ did not mention them in her post.
One county, La Paz, was moderate two weeks ago, fell out last week and is on pace to return Thursday. State health officials said businesses in counties that enter an opening phase but fall out won’t be immediately shut back down.
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That means 10 of Arizona’s 15 counties could potentially be back in business before the weekend.
Here’s a look at the restrictions facing indoor gyms, bars/nightclubs, indoor theaters, water parks and tubing operators that reopen in counties where all the health benchmarks have been met:
Indoor gyms
Indoor gyms and fitness centers can operate at 25% of capacity in the moderate range and 50% of capacity in the minimal range.
They also must follow the state-mandated requirements and restrictions (which are detailed here) on hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, enhanced cleaning, ventilation, symptom screening, physical distancing, masks and communal spaces.
Bars/nightclubs
Bars and nightclubs that offer dine-in restaurant service can operate at 50% of capacity in both the moderate and minimal ranges.
They also must follow the state-mandated requirements and restrictions (which are detailed here) on hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, enhanced cleaning, ventilation, open seating, symptom screening, physical distancing, masks and communal spaces.
Such establishments without dine-in service will be allowed to operate at 50% capacity, under similar restrictions as bars operating as restaurants, only after the positive test rate falls below 3% and the other minimal range benchmarks have been met.
Indoor theaters
Indoor theaters are limited to 50% capacity in both the moderate and minimal ranges.
They also must follow the state-mandated requirements and restrictions (which are detailed here) on hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, enhanced cleaning, ventilation, symptom screening, physical distancing, masks and concession areas and child care policies.
Water parks/tubing operators
Water parks/tubing operators can operate at 50% capacity in both the moderate and minimal ranges.
They also must follow the state-mandated requirements and restrictions (which are detailed here) on hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, enhanced cleaning, ventilation (for buildings and buses), symptom screening, physical distancing, masks, communal spaces, towel policies and transportation.
