Arizona Governor Doug Ducey ordered the closure of bars, gyms, movie theaters, nightclubs, and water parks across the state for 30 days in an effort to combat an increase in coronavirus cases.
“Our numbers continue to rise,” Ducey said at a press conference Monday in Phoenix. “In Arizona, they are going in the wrong direction and we are going to take additional steps today to contain this virus and get it back to normal.”
It also reimposed a ban on indoor and outdoor gatherings of 50 or more people. She said the state’s Department of Licensing and Liquor Control will suspend licenses for special events. Cities and counties will have the authority to approve major events, but only if certain protocols are followed.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
Groups of more than 10 people are also prohibited from meeting in public pools. Private pools in apartments and multi-dwelling complexes must post signs requiring social distancing and limiting groups of 10 or more, according to the order.
Ducey also delayed the start of school until August 17. During his announcement, he pleaded with Arizonans to wear masks and to stay home when possible to reduce the risk of transmission.
“Remember, you’re safer at home,” said Ducey. “If you don’t need to go out, don’t go out.”
His orders can be extended if the number of COVID-19 cases does not decrease by a significant margin, he said.
Most bars and nightclubs reopened after Ducey allowed his business and home closings to expire in May. Bars that don’t serve food were able to reopen, a loophole that led to crowded places and there was almost no way to practice social distancing, according to The Associated Press.
Arizona is one of the few states to re-impose restrictions amid a resurgence in coronavirus cases after reopening its economy. Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered the closure of bars and the reduction of restaurant service last week after his coronavirus infection rate reached nearly 12 percent.
Other states are reducing their planned reopens amid increased coronaviruses.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
In Miami-Dade County, authorities announced the closure of its pristine beaches before the busy weekend of July 4, less than a month after the reopening.
Arizona officials announced 3,858 additional cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, the most reported in a single day since the pandemic took over the state. Statewide, health officials reported more than 74,500 coronavirus cases as of Monday, as well as more than 1,580 deaths.
