Ducey signs bill to give Arizona $55 million to combat coronavirus

PHOENIX — Gov. Doug Ducey on Thursday signed a bill that will allocate $55 million for Arizona to combat coronavirus.

The bill, sponsored by Republican Sen. Kate Brophy McGee, will give the state’s public health department a large boost to fight the spreading virus in addition to the $12 million already promised by the federal government.

Under SB 1051, any unspent funds added to the Public Health Emergency Fund will revert back to the budget stabilization fund on June 30, 2021, according to a press release.

“The Arizona Department of Health Services is Arizona’s lead agency working to protect public health and prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Ducey said in the release. “This bill helps ensure we are continuing to be proactive and ensuring our health officials have all resources necessary.”

The action comes a day after Ducey issued a declaration of public health emergency for Arizona due to continuing coronavirus concerns.

The declaration provided hospitals and health care facilities the flexibility to enhance their safety protocols and will provide health officials with additional medical supplies.

Ducey also announced an executive order aimed at protecting at-risk populations.

Arizona has announced nine cases of the virus since Jan. 26.

Sports seasons, concerts and other events have canceled or postponed scheduled dates in an effort to limit the spread of the virus.

Democrats moved a planned Sunday debate from Phoenix to Washington D.C. because of safety concerns.

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