On Tuesday, the Pima County Board of Supervisors voted to impose a mandatory curfew in response to rising COVID-19 positive tests. The Board voted 3-2 to impose a mandatory 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew throughout Pima County.
Supervisors Ally Miller and Steve Christy voted in opposition and expressed concerns that the curfew decision was not based on scientific evidence.
As previously reported, “the Arizona State Public Health Lab primarily uses a specific COVID-19 PCR test kit manufactured by Thermofisher. Thermofisher’s test generates a positive result if the sample’s CT count is less than 37; a CT count greater than 37 generates a negative result.” Experts argue that PCR CT count should be 35 or lower to be considered a “positive” test.
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During the discussion of the curfew, Miller brought up the fact that the County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry did not seek Board approval for a spying program initiated to assess compliance with the voluntary curfew the Board did approve earlier this month in a similar 3-2 vote.
According to a press release from Pima County, “County health and safety code inspectors conducted observations of more than 400 establishments throughout the County Dec. 12 and 13 and found more than 15 percent were not following the county’s voluntary curfew request or the City of Tucson’s mandatory curfew, which the City Council imposed Dec. 1 and became effective Dec. 4.”
“Spying on neighbors and businesses sends a chill up my spine,” said Miller. “I never imagined we would see these types of tactics used in the United States of America.”
In a 3-2 vote, the Board of Supervisors on December 4 mandated everyone in the County wear face masks. Individuals who fail to follow the face mask law may receive a $50 fine, businesses that don’t require employees or patrons to wear face masks could be fined $500.
To enforce the curfew, the Board authorized the County Health Department to suspend or revoke county-issued operating permits or licenses. Huckelberry noted in a memorandum to the Board that enforcement of the curfew on individuals would be impractical therefore the County will rely on the Health Department’s authority under state health laws to enforce compliance among businesses serving customers during the curfew period.