PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey announced Thursday that he would extend his executive order that forced bars, gyms, movie theaters, fitness centers, water parks, and tubing operators across the state to close.
The initial order was issued in June amid an uptick in COVID-19 cases and was set to expire on Monday, July 27. Under the new order, the closures are in place indefinitely and the order will be reviewed every two weeks for repeal or revision.
Watch his full press conference below.
“I’m not surprised, to be honest with you,” said owner of Iron Girlz Gym in Peoria, Tracey Rodriguez. “It’s like two steps forward, one back.”
Iron Girlz says they were open for six weeks before having to close their gym again.
"We'll survive as long as our members continue to hang in there with us,“ Rodriguez added.
The order also extends the limit on social gatherings of more than 50 people and suspends the issuance of special event permits.
Gov. Ducey said during his weekly press conference that some of the state's COVID-19 metrics were trending downward, but said that it was not the time for Arizonans to let up.
See the full executive order below.
"You are safer at home," Gov. Ducey said. "Regardless of the information I am going to be able to share today, coronavirus is with us today and going forward. It's highly contagious and it's in every part of our state. And you really help Arizona when you are at home at this point in the pandemic."
Under the order, bars with a series 6 or 7 license, which primarily applies to traditional bars and wine bars, have to close. They can, however, remain open for takeout, carry-out, or delivery.
As per another executive order, Gov. Ducey has also limited restaurant dining rooms to 50% or less, in an effort to try and limit social gatherings and the spread of COVID-19.
