Weekend wrap-up: Here are the biggest Arizona stories from May 1-3

May 3, 2020, 4:05 PM | Updated: 5:02 pm

(Facebook Photo/Arizona Department of Health Services)

PHOENIX — Positive coronavirus cases in Arizona continue to rise, Luke Air Force Base takes to the skies to honor those on front lines of the battle against virus and Gov. Doug Ducey issues new guidelines for retail stores to start opening after extending the state’s stay-at-home order.

Here are some stories that headlined the Arizona news cycle over the weekend.

Arizona coronavirus cases increase to 8,640, death toll up to 362

Arizona reported 276 new positive tests for coronavirus and 14 additional deaths on Sunday morning, as the state’s case total surpassed the 8,500 mark.

The state now has 8,640 cases of COVID-19 and 362 deaths from the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

There have been 81,119 tests given in Arizona, an increase of 3,122 from the previous day. Nine percent of the state’s completed tests have come back positive.

Luke AFB salutes Arizonans battling coronavirus with 15-plane flyover

The metro Phoenix skies were graced with more than a dozen high-powered military aircraft Friday afternoon for a tribute to health care workers, first responders and other personnel on the front lines of the battle against coronavirus in Arizona.

The flight path crossed Buckeye, Litchfield Park, Surprise, Waddell, Goodyear, Tolleson, Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Deer Valley, Glendale, Peoria, Sun City West and El Mirage, according to a press release.

Residents from across metro Phoenix shared their pictures and videos of the event.

Gov. Ducey issues guidelines for Arizona stores to follow and reopen

Gov. Doug Ducey extended Arizona’s stay-at-home order until at least May 15 and issued new guidelines for retail stores to follow so they can start opening on a limited basis next week.

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).

3 Arizona school districts plan to hold graduation at State Farm Stadium

Three Arizona school districts announced plans Saturday to hold graduation at State Farm Stadium over summer.

The Peoria, Dysart and Deer Valley school districts will have their graduation ceremonies take place at the Arizona Cardinals football stadium should COVID-19 restrictions allow.

Graduation ceremonies for schools in the Peoria Unified School District are scheduled for June 26 and 27. Dysart schools are scheduled for June 30 and Deer Valley for July 2 and 3.