Arizona governor enacts stay-at-home order over coronavirus

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R) issued an order on Monday directing state residents to stay at home until the end of April, following the leads of several other governors as health officials try to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Ducey’s order directs Arizonans to remain at home unless they’re performing essential activities such as buying groceries or receiving medical care, similar to orders issued the same day by the leaders of Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

“Keeping Arizonans safe and healthy as we slow the spread of COVID-19 remains our top priority,” said Ducey in a news release. “Arizona citizens and businesses are already responsibly responding to this crisis. This order builds on the state’s efforts to protect public health by reminding Arizonans to maintain healthy habits and find alternative ways to stay connected with friends and loved ones while spending time at home.”

Ducey’s office has faced criticism over its list of essential services, which has allowed businesses such as nail salons and golf courses to remain open amid the coronavirus outbreak.

“This order is insufficient if he does not narrow his list of ‘essential’ services. Essential services during #COVID19 are not golf and beauty salons. They are first responders, grocers, pharmacists, and few others,” tweeted Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego (D).

.@dougducey issued a #StayAtHome order starting 5pm tomorrow. This order is insufficient if he does not narrow his list of “essential” services. Essential services during #COVID19 are not golf and beauty salons. They are first responders, grocers, pharmacists, and few others.

— Mayor Kate Gallego (@MayorGallego) March 30, 2020

“There will be NO changes to the list of essential services. I urge Gov @dougducey to narrow his list to reflect those services that are truly essential to Arizonans well-being,” added Tucson Mayor Regina Romero (D).

Without changes to the list of “essential” services, this order falls short of doing all we can to #SlowTheSpread and protect public health.

— Regina Romero (@TucsonRomero) March 30, 2020

Ducey’s order came as the total number of coronavirus cases in the state topped 1,000 on Monday, with state officials announcing the death count rising from 17 to 20.