Governor Ducey's Office Announces Next Phase Of Arizona Recovery

The information below was provided by the Office of the Governor Doug Ducey’s website.

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Arizona Governor Doug Ducey

Stay At Home Order To Expire On May 15; Replaced By New Guidance For Economic Recovery That Prioritizes Health And Physical Distancing

Governor Doug Ducey today announced that the Stay At Home order in Arizona will be ending on May 15 and replaced by new guidance for the next stage of economic recovery. The new guidance aligns with gating criteria issued by the White House and Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and aims to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 resurgence, protect vulnerable populations, and guide the reopening of businesses with enhanced physical distancing and safety measures in place.

Arizona’s new Executive Order, which takes effect on Saturday, May 16, builds on Arizona’s comprehensive efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect public health, including: ramping up testing availability and frequency; implementing tracking of key health metrics such as reported symptomatic cases and emergency room usage; standing up surge hospital capacity to be used as needed; expanding statewide contact tracing; bolstering supply chains for personal protective equipment for frontline medical workers and emergency responders; implementing enhanced safety protocols to protect those living and working in high-risk facilities such as nursing homes; and providing public health guidance for businesses and individuals to ensure continued physical distancing. 

“Since the start of this pandemic, Arizona has taken a calm and steady approach to protecting health and slowing the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Ducey. “Today, our hospitals have capacity to provide care to those who need it; our businesses are implementing and adapting to new physical distancing measures; and data shows Arizona is headed in the right direction. 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. I’m grateful to all Arizonans for their partnership and cooperation during these trying times. By continuing to follow the data and recommendations of public health officials, we can continue to move forward safely and responsibly together.” 

Governor Ducey also announced today an accelerated plan to test all staff and residents of long-term care facilities as well as individuals within Arizona’s prisons. As part of this plan, the Arizona Department of Health Services will partner with private-sector labs to expand testing to 147 long-term care facilities and provide antibody tests for correctional officers. Additionally, major league sports can resume limited reopening, without fans, this Saturday, May 16.

The Arizona Department of Health Services also released additional guidance for businesses and customers as more industries resume partial operations. This guidance includes:

• Pools, with physical distancing and enhanced sanitation - can reopen Wednesday, May 13 (GUIDANCE)

• Gyms & Fitness Providers, with physical distancing and enhanced sanitation - can reopen Wednesday, May 13 (GUIDANCE)

• Spas, with physical distancing and enhanced sanitation - can reopen Wednesday, May 13 (GUIDANCE)  

While never formally closed, many Places of Worship opted to temporarily change or suspend services in order to follow physical distancing guidelines. As they resume operations, the Arizona Department of Health Services released GUIDANCE for enhanced physical distancing and safety precautions.

View today’s Executive Order HERE. 

View daily Arizona updates HERE.

Fox News: Airplanes grounded by coronavirus find indefinite parking spaces in Southwest deserts

Thousands of daily flights continue to be canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, forcing to ground airplanes across the world.

In the U.S., some airlines are sending their aircraft to temporary homes in the deserts in the Southwest, where they can be cared for in the long term until operations can return to normal.

Photo by Stephanie Bennett, Fox News

Several airports are offering long-term parking spots all the way from New Mexico to California. From small regional air centers to big international airports, everyone is lending a helping hand during these trying times.

Click to read the original story from Fox News.

ADOT REMINDER: Major traffic shifts scheduled for Interstate 10 near Ruthrauff Road March 20-21

From Arizona Department Of Transportation: Westbound frontage road and Sunset Road exit locations to change

Motorists on Interstate 10 near Ruthrauff Road in Tucson should expect major overnight trafficshifts Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21.

On Friday night, all westbound I-10 lanes will shift to the westbound frontage road. On Saturday night, all eastbound I-10 lanes will shift to the current westbound I-10 lanes.

Work is scheduled each night between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. I-10 will be reduced to a single lane in each direction during the shift.

Because of the configuration of the crossovers, the Sunset Road exit ramp from westbound I-10 will move to the southeast. The relocated exit will also provide direct access to westbound I-10 frontage road businesses.

The map below shows the anticipated road configuration by the morning of Sunday, March 22.

The traffic shift will allow crews to reconstruct the west half of the I-10/Ruthrauff Road interchange.

Business access will be maintained throughout the project.

Drivers should proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

More information about the project is available at azdot.gov/RuthrauffTI.

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more information, please call the ADOT Bilingual Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or go to azdot.gov/contact and select Projects from the drop-down menu. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT's Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except while driving.

A message from Mayor Ed Honea to citizens, businesses, faith-based groups, and voluntary organizations

How to contact the Town of Marana:

• Emergency phone calls: 911

• General phone calls: 520-382-1999

NEW VIDEO MAYOR MESSAGE PUBLISHED MARCH 19, 2020

Mayor Ed Honea

Originally published March 18, 2020

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the White House and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) are advising all citizens to avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 people. I strongly urge you to consider using alternative options for group meetings, including meetings by telephone or teleconference. In any in-person group setting, social distancing should occur to prevent spread. Social distancing is maintaining six feet of distance between persons to reduce transmission of the virus from person to person. I recommend following these guidelines and I encourage churches, faith-based groups, and other voluntary organizations to adhere to these guidelines. 

Additional recommendations: 

• Avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants, and food courts – Use drive-through, pickup, or delivery options

• Avoid discretionary travel, including shopping trips and social visits

• Do not visit nursing homes or retirement/long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance

Continue to practice good hygiene by:

• Washing hands, especially after touching any frequently-used item or surface

• Avoid touching your face

• Sneeze or cough into a tissue or the inside of your elbow

• Disinfect frequently-used items and surfaces as much as possible

In addition, please read these guidelines provided by the White House.

The health of you and your families are important. While these days will be challenging, I know that we can work together toward a brighter future. Please follow the Town of Marana on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to the Town of Marana Newsroom for updates.

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