PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey held a press conference about coronavirus on Wednesday afternoon.
Gov. Ducey was joined by Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, and others.
Watch press conference in the player below.
The press conference comes after repeated calls from other officials and experts to implement further restrictions to reduce the spread of the virus.
In his briefing Wednesday, Governor Ducey announced his plans for additional funding for hospitals, vaccine distribution, support for restaurants and mitigation requirement for events.
According to a press release, the details of Governor Ducey's plan are as follows:
ADDITIONAL DOLLARS FOR HOSPITALS
• $60 million to provide additional staffing at Arizona hospitals, for a total of $85 million.
VACCINE DISTRIBUTION
• Arizona is expected to receive an initial shipment of COVID-19 vaccine doses in mid to late December, pending FDA approval.
• The distribution plan prioritizes health care workers, educators, residents of long-term care facilities, and vulnerable populations.
• Executive Order ensuring Arizonans can receive the vaccine without financial barriers.
SUPPORT FOR RESTAURANTS
• Executive Order making it easier for restaurants to expand outdoor dining space.
• $100,000 for the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association to help restaurants and hotels strengthen sanitation and mitigation practices, further protecting patrons and staff.
• $1 million for the Safest Outside Restaurant Assistance Program to help restaurants and other dining establishments expand outdoor dining options.
• $100,000 for the Arizona Restaurant Association to help restaurants and other dining establishments safely and effectively expand outdoor dining options for patrons.
MITIGATION REQUIREMENTS FOR EVENTS
• Executive Order enhancing health and safety requirements for large public events approved by local cities, towns and counties.
On Tuesday, Arizona health officials reported more than 10,000 confirmed coronavirus cases. That number included cases from throughout the extended holiday weekend.
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The surge Arizona and other parts of the country are experiencing is expected to continue as holiday gatherings take place.