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Arizona mayors slam Gov. Doug Ducey's edict keeping golf courses open amid coronavirus outbreak

Mayors of five cities said Gov. Doug Ducey's executive order should not have included golf courses and payday lenders in the definition of “essential services."

PHOENIX — Municipal leaders criticized Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey Tuesday over his decision to classify golf courses as “essential" businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Mayors of five different cities, including Tucson and Flagstaff, sent the Republican governor a letter Tuesday saying his executive order should not have included golf courses and payday lenders in the definition of “essential services” that cannot be shut down. 

They also requested a statewide moratorium on evictions and foreclosures. Arizona had at least 326 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Tuesday and a sixth death -- a Coconino County man in his 50s with an underlying health condition. 

RELATED: Coconino County reports first coronavirus death

Credit: AP
FILE - In this Feb. 23, 2014 file photo, Victor Dubuisson, of France, hits out of the desert on the 20th hole in his championship match against Jason Day, of Australia, during the Match Play Championship golf tournament in Marana, Ariz. Municipal leaders criticized Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey Tuesday, March 24, 2020 over his decision to classify some businesses like golf courses as "essential" during the coronavirus pandemic. Mayors of five different cities, including Tucson and Flagstaff, sent the Republican governor a letter Tuesday saying his executive order should not have included golf courses and payday lenders in the definition of "essential services" that cannot be shut down. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)

COVID-19 is believed to be primarily spread through coughs or sneezes. 

It may be possible for the virus to spread by touching a surface or object with the virus and then a person touching their mouth, nose or eyes, but this is not thought to be the main method of spread, the CDC says. 

You should consult your doctor if you traveled to an area currently affected by COVID-19 and feel sick with fever, cough or difficulty breathing. 

There is no vaccine for the coronavirus, so the best way to prevent COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases is to:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

You can text FACTS to 602-444-1212 to receive more information on the coronavirus and to ask questions.

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