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Reuters
Arizona set a one-day record for new cases of coronavirus on Sunday at 3,858
Arizona has abruptly reversed course toward reopening its economy as coronavirus cases increase across the country.
The state governor ordered the closure of bars, nightclubs, gyms, cinemas, and water parks.
Florida and Texas have also made U-turns with relaxing restrictions as the entire US Sun Belt region becomes a new epicenter for viruses.
At least 16 US states have paused or reversed reopens as their infection increases the number of cases.
Some jurisdictions are closing for the impending Independence Day weekend amid fears that crowded beaches and bars may fuel new outbreaks.
Governor Doug Ducey’s directive, which will apply until at least July 27, also prohibits gatherings of more than 50 people in Arizona.
The order came a day after the state set a one-day record for new coronavirus cases at 3,858.
“Our expectation is that our numbers next week will be worse,” Governor Ducey, R-Republican, said at a press conference.
“We will not be back to normal any time soon.”
Orders to stay home in Arizona were lifted in mid-May according to the criteria established by the White House, which allowed the companies to reopen.
What action is being taken elsewhere?
The Republican governors of Texas and Florida slammed on the brakes when they reopened last Friday when they closed bars and imposed other restrictions as their virus cases rose to record levels.
On Monday, Kansas and Oregon joined a growing number of US states that require everyone to wear masks in public.
New Jersey announced Monday that it would postpone the restart of food indoors because people had been flouting social distancing guidelines and were not wearing masks.
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The Arizona governor ordered the closure of bars, clubs, gyms, movie theaters, and water parks.
The city of Jacksonville, Florida, where President Donald Trump, who rejects the masks, plans to accept the Republican nomination in August, announced Monday that facial covers should be worn indoors.
Los Angeles County, the most populous county in California, which has seen a significant increase in virus cases recently, banned all fireworks over the July 4 weekend and said it would close the beaches.
Meanwhile, New York, previously the US epicenter for the virus, announced its lowest number of hospital admissions and deaths since the pandemic began.
“You remember we once had 800 deaths a day,” said New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. “We have eight today.”
