ARIZONA NEWS

Phoenix, Tucson banning dine-in restaurant service, closing bars

Mar 17, 2020, 1:10 PM | Updated: 3:43 pm

PHOENIX – Arizona’s two largest cities are declaring states of emergency in response to the coronavirus threat and ordering a closure of bars and limiting restaurants to delivery, drive-thru and take-out service.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Tucson Mayor Regina Romero announced the steps, which will go into effect at 8 p.m. Tuesday night, on social media.

Romero said the restrictions apply to gyms, food courts and other venues where groups congregate and will last at least until the end of the month. Many such businesses had already closed or restricted service on their own.

In a video posted to Twitter, Gallego said the decision was made after consultation with business leaders, hospitals and health care associations.

She went on to describe a potentially harrowing scenario.

“What they’ve told me is that right now they are preparing to treat people in tents because we don’t have enough beds, that we expect doctors to have to make heartbreaking decisions about who gets a heart ventilator and who doesn’t,” she said.

Gallego added that she was told the state of emergency would help save lives.

Earlier Tuesday, the Arizona Department of Health Services issued guidelines “strongly” recommending that restaurants in COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak areas discourage dine-in service.

As of Tuesday morning, Arizona had reported 20 positive tests for COVID-19, nine in metro Phoenix and four in the Tucson area.

Monday night, Flagstaff, northern Arizona’s largest city, said it was banning dine-in service and closing bars and other businesses where people gather.

Other cities across the Phoenix area have been reducing services and closing municipal buildings.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

The Arizona Attorney General was granted a temporary restraining order after filing a suit to stop ...

David Veenstra

Federal judge grants Arizona AG temporary restraining order over DOGE personal data access

The Arizona Attorney General was granted a temporary restraining order after filing a suit to stop DOGE's access to sensitive personal information.

24 minutes ago

More than 90% of Phoenix employees completed human trafficking awareness training, earning the city...

David Veenstra

Almost all Phoenix employees complete human trafficking awareness training

More than 90% of Phoenix employees completed human trafficking awareness training, earning the city a special designation.

2 hours ago

A pedestrian died after a vehicle hit her on a West Valley street Friday night, authorities said....

David Veenstra

Pedestrian dies after vehicle hits her on West Valley street

A pedestrian died after a vehicle hit her on a West Valley street Friday night, authorities said.

5 hours ago

Reusable serveware now in use at Phoenix Convention Center...

Serena O'Sullivan

Phoenix Convention Center to introduce reusable food and drink packaging

Head to the Phoenix Convention Center and you'll notice you can now eat and drink from reusable serveware when attending events.

6 hours ago

Peoria Police department...

Roxanne De La Rosa

Peoria police search for vandals who caused $30-40K worth of park damage

The Peoria Police Department is asking the public for help in finding the suspect responsible for vandalizing and causing tens of thousands of dollars of damage to a local park.

17 hours ago

Phoenix-Pittsburgh nonstop flight offered through Allegiant...

Serena O'Sullivan

Fly high: Phoenix travelers getting new nonstop flight option for Pittsburgh through Allegiant

Planning a business trip? You can now book a Phoenix-Pittsburgh nonstop flight through Allegiant at Sky Harbor International Airport.

18 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Your go-to plumbing experts in Arizona

Collins Comfort Masters, a trusted name in HVAC, water and plumbing since 1985, is you go-to plumbers for the residents of Phoenix and the Valley.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to start your retirement planning early and avoid costly mistakes

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly pitfalls.

...

Fiesta Bowl Foundation

Join us for the 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade

The 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe returns on Saturday, December 28, at 10 a.m.

Phoenix, Tucson banning dine-in restaurant service, closing bars