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Small town of Wickenburg defies Ducey's stay-at-home order

Some restaurants and businesses are flaunting the governor's order to take precautions and prevent the spread of the virus.

Credit: AP

Customers smile and cheer as Debbie Thompson, owner of the Horseshoe Cafe, informs them that she is violating the State's stay at home order by allowing guest dining at her restaurant Friday, May 1, 2020, in Wickenburg, Ariz. A few small businesses reopened in defiance of Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey's decision to extend a statewide stay-at-home order for another two weeks in. The Gov. extended the stay at home order in an effort to combat the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. (AP Photo/Matt York)

WICKENBURG, Ariz. — Warnings from police and health officials didn't stop the Horseshoe Cafe in Wickenburg from serving sit-down customers.

Owner Debbie Thompson and other business owners in the small town west of Phoenix decided Friday to reopen in defiance of Gov. Doug Ducey’s stay-at-home order.

Those who disregard it could face fines. Ducey has extended the restrictions through May 15 but said nonessential retailers big and small can reopen with precautions.

The Republican governor said there are signs the spread of the new virus has slowed in the state, but there’s no clear indication that deaths and new cases are trending down.