Gov. Doug Ducey shuttered all bars in the state for at least the next 30 days due to the Arizona coronavirus.
Arizona coronavirus
The moves come as Ducey acknowledged the explosion of Arizona coronavirus cases that started two weeks after his order reopening the state economy.
That two weeks coincides with the incubation period of the virus when people are exposed.
He separately banned gatherings of more than 50 people. However, churches and political rallies are exempt.
Anyhow, this could put a damper on any planned Fourth of July celebrations. He gave individual cities and towns the power to permit larger crowds, if there will be proper social distancing.
Public swimming pools will have to restrict groups in or out of the water to no more than 10. For semi-private pools at apartment complexes and condos, owners will need to post notices about the 10-person limit.
Ducey’s administration changed course, with the Department of Liquor Licenses and Control permitting any bar to open and serve the costumers.
Bars may offer pickup, delivery and drive-thru services.
He said that the objective is to slow down the Arizona coronavirus spread. Moreover, he believes the state can get infection levels back to where they were during the lifting of restrictions.
Schools in Arizona
Arizona Schools Chief Kathy Hoffman, statement said she supports the two-week delay in sending students back to class.
With new Arizona coronavirus cases every week, it is not safe for students and teachers to return to school facilities.
In addition, she said schools are safe to start distance learning or to delay the start of the academic year.
It is unclear how that affects the requirement for school to be operating for 180 days to get full state funding. That is how many days the school need to be operating as to get $200 million of additional state aid that will be made available.
Tucson’s largest school district will have more time to prepare because of the delayed start.
The additional time will allow more training for teachers to prepare for online learning and modified in-person instruction.
Schools need to have a 100% remote-learning option where they will still get full funding.
Gabriel Trujilo, TUSD Superintendent, said Tucson Unified is preparing an emergency plan to transition the entire district online if the health crisis necessitates it. He is unsure how school will receive funding if they ceased to offer in-person instruction.