Trinity Clark
Assistant Editor-In-Chief
A statement from Governor Ducey’s office stated that the stay-at-home order was suspended as of May 15th. Now Arizona in the process of reopening businesses in the safest manner possible.
In the statement, Governor Ducey said that, “"It is time to move forward with the next steps of Arizona’s economic recovery — while continuing to make health and safety our number one priority…" Pools, gyms, and spas have been open to the public since May 1st. This was also the day that elective surgeries began to take place in hospitals again. As of May 8th, barber shops and other cosmetic services would be allowed to open as long as precautions were taken. Following this, on May 11th restaurants were permitted to give dine-in services as long as safety precautions are followed. Lisa Jennings with Nation’s Restaurants News reported this was also the case in Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Nevada, and Ohio. Finally, many major league sports are resuming on May 16th. The aforementioned safety precautions include reducing the maximum capacity of the building to 50%, providing masks to all workers and increasing the amount of sanitizing taking place.
The Arizona Department Of Health Services (ADHS) has stated that hospitals have seen a decline in the number of cases visiting their hospitals and that less are testing positive for COVID-19. This is likely the cause for the reopening taking place in Arizona, though this is not the case everywhere in the state. In the Navajo Nation, Rachel Martin with npr.org, states they, “[have] more COVID-19 cases per capita than nearly any other place in the United States.” The President of the Navajo Nations, Jonathan Nez, also commented stating that 3,245 came up positive out of the 20,250 tested in the area. While this information is by no means meant to bash the Navajo Nation and, it is an example of how quickly this virus can spread. It is also important to recognize that the Navajo people are close in their communities. Arizonans who are able to distance themselves should try their best to consider those around them and keep distancing themselves.
Officials have stated that schools are to remain closed for the rest of the year as to keep students healthy. It is important to remember that as things open up, going out carelessly can lead to this cycle repeating itself. COVID-19 has not disappeared, rather we are now considered more geared up to handle it and the argument has been made that are economy is now in need of stimulation. No matter what your opinion, everyone’s safety is important. Practice social distancing, washing your hands and, if possible, wearing cloth masks when going out.
This time has been difficult for everyone, Eagles. We are still in this fight though- take the time to be safe and if possible, support the businesses reopening and have some fun!
Image Credit: Tai's Captures on Unsplash
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