PHOENIX – It took Governor Ducey what seemed like an interminable amount of time to anxious business owners to announce on Wednesday that he was going to extend his executive order locking down the state until May 15.
Gov. Ducey looks like how we feel! Get to the point! pic.twitter.com/HjMhVSlVLr
— James T Harris (@JamesTHarris) April 29, 2020
According to sources, the governor had been working with the political leaders of towns, cities, and counties to demand that he extend the lock down. Shortly before his announcement, the mayors of Flagstaff, Tucson, and Phoenix issued statements in support of the announcement they had anticipated.
Joint statement with @MayorGallego and Flagstaff Mayor Evans.
As Mayors representing the largest cities in each region of our state, we ask that the Governor adhere to the guidelines set forth by the CDC as we look to safely reopen the economy and protect Arizonans. pic.twitter.com/QbAz2OPXvI
— Regina Romero (@TucsonRomero) April 29, 2020
Ducey told reporters that if they were “looking for a headline it is that Arizona’s stay-at-home order is still in effect until May 15.”
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Although big-box stores have been opened through the course of the lock down, Ducey will now allow a partial reopening of other retail stores starting May 4. Under the order, retail businesses currently not operating can begin curbside pick-up on Monday, May 4, followed by expanded in-person operations on Friday, May 8 as long as they implement social distancing and sanitation measures established by the United States Department of Labor or the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Ducey threatened small business owners, specifically restaurateurs, who might dare to open up, “You are playing with your liquor license.”
Politicos speculate that holding out will spur movement for a bail out bill for states.
Reactions to the announcement were swift.
House Majority Leader Warren Petersen stated that he was “extremely disappointed.” Referring to Ducey’s stay-at-home order, Petersen said, “We can let it expire and be safe through social distancing and other best practices. It’s time to open Arizona. Actuals are a fraction of the experts projections.”
“This is devastating news for businesses in Pima County,” stated Pima County Supervisor Ally Miller. “I am not seeing that the data supports prolonging this shutdown. Threatening jail time and the licenses of business owners who don’t comply with his order is heavy handed and out of line. Is this why the jails released prisoners? So he could jail the non-compliant?”
Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio sent out a tweet condemning the push for continuing the lock down:
ASU sends another government shill pushing closure while he is a getting a government paycheck and telling the unemployed that they need to stay home and not work pic.twitter.com/Ic9kN2oLZs
— Sal DiCiccio (@Sal_DiCiccio) April 29, 2020
Check back for updates…
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— Arizona Daily Independent (@amerdailyindy) April 28, 2020
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