PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey issued an executive order Monday restricting residents to their homes as the number of reported coronavirus cases continues to rise in the state, topping 1,000 cases for the first time on Monday morning.
The stay-at-home order will go in effect Tuesday March 31 at 5 p.m. and last through April 30.
Federal law allows each state or city to decide its own rules when mandating residents stay home.
According to the order, Arizonans should limit time away from home, except for essential activities. Essential activities are broadly defined to include working in essential jobs and exercising outside.
No proof of essential activities will be needed.
Grocery stores and pharmacies are not closing. Restaurants can continue to offer take-out and delivery services.
The order does not change the services considered essential in Arizona.
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero said she urges Gov. Ducey to narrow his list of services considered essential. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego echoed the same concerns.
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Ducey faced mounting pressure to put the state on lockdown as more states issued "shelter in place" orders.
Nine Arizona mayors, led by Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, sent a letter to Ducey Monday asking the governor to issue a stay-at-home order.
The Navajo Nation, most of which is in Arizona, had ordered its residents to shelter in place starting on March 20.
There are 1,157 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Arizona and 20 people have died as of Monday morning, according to the state's latest numbers.
Gov. Ducey announced Monday morning that schools would remain closed through the remainder of the school year.
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.
