Gov. Ducey issues guidelines for Arizona stores to follow and reopen
May 1, 2020, 11:50 AM | Updated: 12:44 pm
JoAnn Zimpher hangs an open sign outside Trader J's Gift Shop Friday, May 1, 2020, in Wickenburg, Ariz. A few small businesses reopened in defiance of Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey's decision to extend a statewide stay-at-home order for another two weeks in. The Gov. extended the stay at home order in an effort to combat the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. (AP Photo/Matt York)
(AP Photo/Matt York)
PHOENIX – Two days after Gov. Doug Ducey extended Arizona’s stay-at-home order, he issued new guidelines for retail stores to follow so they can start opening on a limited basis next week.
The guidance developed with the Arizona Department of Health Services and released Friday includes rules for both customers and businesses to follow to control the spread of coronavirus.
“Taking these responsible steps that prioritize public health will help grow confidence and ensure we don’t just reopen all businesses, but do it successfully,” Ducey said in a press release.
“I’m grateful to all the business owners and employees putting safety first and providing their feedback as we take continued steps to reenergize Arizona’s economy.”
Gov. @dougducey and @AZDHS today released additional guidelines for businesses and customers as retail stores resume partial operations next week. READ MORE HERE: https://t.co/BVxIHbcySI #ReturnStonger #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/X3C96J4G22
— The 9th Floor (@9thFloorAZ) May 1, 2020
Ducey announced Wednesday that Arizona’s stay-at-home order, which went into effect March 31 and was set to expire Thursday, was being extended to at least May 15 with modifications.
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Under the new order, retail businesses that aren’t on the state’s list of essential businesses are allowed to sell goods via walk-up, drive-thru or curbside service starting Monday.
And on May 8, stores are permitted to open as long as they follow the newly established guidelines (although they aren’t required to open).
Customers should stay home if they are sick, the guidelines say, and opt for curbside pickup and other low-contact options when available.
Stores are being asked to limit occupancy so adequate social distancing can be maintained, implement sanitation measures and screen employees for symptoms.
Find the full list of guidelines here.
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Restaurants are still limited to delivery and takeout service, but Ducey said Wednesday he is working on plans for dine-in service to resume in a limited capacity later in May.
Arizona reported 314 new positive tests for coronavirus and 10 additional deaths Friday morning.
The state now has 7,962 cases of COVID-19 and 330 deaths from the disease caused by the new coronavirus.
