Ducey Demands Arizona Bars, Gyms, Theaters, Water Parks Remain Closed

PHOENIX – On Thursday, Gov. Doug Ducey extended his Executive Order keeping bars, gyms, theaters and water parks closed and limiting public gatherings. The Order had been set to expire next Monday.

Despite indications that COVID-19 cases are on the decline, the governor said the state “cannot let up.”

“Over recent weeks, Arizona has made significant progress to contain the spread of COVID-19, but we cannot let up,” said Ducey. “COVID-19 remains widespread in our communities, putting lives and public health at risk. We have to continue to press on and keep doing the things that are working: wearing a mask, staying physically distant, avoiding congregating and activities that lead to congregating, and staying home as much as possible.”

“Even if appropriate physical distancing is possible, organized public events of more than 50 people are prohibited,” as per the Order.

Ducey’s announcement was not welcome news for those who had hoped Ducey would begin making data-driven decisions.

The governor and Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman introduced their “Arizona: Open for Learning” plan. The plan hands out a total of $440 million in federal dollars to schools, and “gives local school leaders the flexibility and public health guidance to make the best decisions for their students.” To qualify for funding, schools “must begin offering free on-site learning and support services for students who need a place to go during the day as already required by EO 2020-41 on August 17, 2020, as prescribed by EO 2020-44.”

The Arizona Department of Health Services will develop and release public health benchmarks for the safe return of in-person, teacher-led classroom instruction by August 7.

The governor is also handing out cash to Arizona advertising and public relations firms. According to the Governor’s Office the money will be used to “promote the use of masks and other important precautions to contain the spread of COVID-19. This first-of-its-kind collaboration will feature creative concepts in English and Spanish developed by Arizona’s leaders in advertising supported by $3 million from the Governor’s Office for distribution across media platforms statewide.

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