Gov. Doug Ducey extends executive order closing gyms, bars, more
Jul 23, 2020, 3:24 PM | Updated: 7:24 pm
PHOENIX — Gov. Doug Ducey has extended the closures of bars, gyms and others across the state of Arizona.
“Today, we are going to continue to press on with the strategies that are working in Arizona and continue them,” Ducey said during a press conference Thursday.
Ducey originally issued the executive order shuttering bars, nightclubs, gyms, movie theaters and water parks for at least 30 days amid a surge of coronavirus cases in the state on June 29.
The executive order was until further notice and up for review every two weeks starting on July 29.
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“We cannot let up,” Ducey said. “We need to continue to be vigilant everyday in the state of Arizona, to continue pressing and to make sure that we stay focused on the fundamentals.”
“So no victory lap, no celebration, only continued physical distancing, washing your hands and remembering that you are safer at home.”
Thursday’s guidance comes as the rate of new Arizona coronavirus cases has shown signs of slowing in recent weeks following the implementation of closures and face mask requirements in many areas — including all of Maricopa County.
According to the Associated Press, the seven-day average for newly reported cases fell to 2,750.71 on Wednesday, the lowest point since June 24.
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, the state’s weekly positive rate for diagnostic PCR tests, which indicates how much the virus is spreading, is on pace to fall for the third consecutive week.
The state reported pandemic totals of 152,944 cases and 3,063 deaths as of Thursday morning.
Tune in to The Mike Broomhead Show on KTAR News 92.3 FM on Friday at 9:30 a.m. to hear state Health Director Dr. Cara Christ speak on the coronavirus pandemic.
