Gov. Doug Ducey says Arizona is ramping up its effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
In a series of tweets, Ducey said he’s calling up the National Guard to help grocery stores and food banks where the pandemic has led to spikes in demand.
I’m announcing new steps to combat the spread of #COVID19. These actions are based on the facts and on data, and come after careful consultation with public health experts from every county in Arizona, our hospitals, local elected officials, and private sector partners. 1/
— Doug Ducey (@DougDucey) March 19, 2020
The governor also announced three executive orders.
One aims to free up medical supplies and keep hospital beds open by halting elective surgeries.
The second says restaurants in counties with confirmed cases of COVID-19 can only offer takeout. Bars, movie theaters and gyms must close.
And the third executive order delays expiration dates of drivers licenses belonging to people over 65 so they don’t have to go to the MVD.
Ducey, a Republican, said on Twitter his orders will ensure grocery shelves remain stocked and preserve the ability of hospitals to manage an influx of cases. In eight counties with known infections, bars, movie theaters and gyms will be required to close and restaurants will be restricted to takeout and drive-thru service starting Friday.
