Ducey: No immediate plans to adopt shelter-in-place policy due to virus

PHOENIX — Gov. Doug Ducey on Monday said that Arizona had no immediate plans to follow other cities and states across the country and adopt a shelter-in-place policy because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Instead, the governor issued an executive order to define what “essential services” are that will remain open for Arizona employers, families and citizens.

Ducey added that his decision-making process continues to revolve around recommendations from state health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a line of thinking he has followed closely since the outbreak started.

“Again, we are not implementing a so-called shelter in place policy as other states have done,” Ducey said during a press conference.

The executive order details a long list of services that have been deemed essential, including health care operations, human services operations, and grocery and medicine providers.

Ducey added that he will continue to take proactive measures when necessary to protect Arizona citizens.

The executive order comes after Ducey issued one on Thursday to close bars, dine-in at restaurants, gyms and movie theaters in coronavirus-affected counties.

“This is a proactive and administrative measure that ensures the state has one consistent, overarching policy that is based on CDC and public health guidance so that the people of Arizona, across all jurisdictions, cities and counties have clarity and consistency,” Ducey said.

The state saw an uptick in reported cases over the weekend and its first two deaths due to coronavirus.

Ducey and Dr. Cara Christ, the state’s public health director, said they expect more cases and death from COVID-19 in Arizona.

“We are focused on the state of Arizona. … And we will continue to escalate as necessary,” Ducey said.

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