Sen. Kyrsten Sinema called Monday on Arizona to take far more aggressive actions than it has so far to stop the spread of the new coronavirus.

Arizona's strategies to prevent spread of COVID-19 remain less aggressive than those taken by other states, even after Gov. Doug Ducey reversed course Sunday and ordered schools to close through the end of the month. In making her statement on Twitter, Sinema, D-Ariz., shared an Arizona Republic story detailing Ducey's less aggressive approach.

"Arizona can and should take action NOW to reduce spread, keep our hospitals from getting overwhelmed, and save lives," Sinema said in a written statement. "It is time to temporarily close clubs, bars, museums, libraries, gyms, and other places where large groups congregate."

Restaurants, she said, should move to pickup and delivery orders only.

"Communities that have taken this action early have saved lives and reduced the spread of coronavirus," she wrote. "Communities that haven't taken this action early have seen increased virus spread, more hospitalizations, and more deaths."

She said she will advocate in Congress for increased financial support to aid families and businesses damaged by the coronavirus.

"We will get through this together — let's be proactive and make this difficult time as short as possible," she wrote. "Our actions now can save lives."

In response to Sinema's statement, Ducey spokesman Patrick Ptak said: "We will continue to follow the recommendations of the CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and public health officials in making our decisions."

In a separate statement, Ducey said he will work with state Health Department Director Cara Christ and the Department of Health Services to ensure the state complies with the new recommendations.

"We will be working with county health officials, community leaders and the private sector to implement these guidelines," Ducey's statement said.

Sinema's spokeswoman, Hannah Hurley, declined to comment further on Sinema's statement or about her conversations with Ducey.

Sinema has been in touch with Ducey. On March 13, he posted on Twitter an image of him working in his office. He had calls that day with Sinema and Sen. Martha McSally, R-Ariz., in response to the new coronavirus.

Monday marked the first day that Sinema's staff was, for the most part, tele-working from home. Her Senate office remained fully operational.

Have news to share about Arizona's U.S. senators or national politics? Reach the reporter on Twitter and Facebook. Contact her at yvonne.wingett@arizonarepublic.com and 602-444-4712.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

Subscribe for free to The Gaggle political podcast on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, or wherever you listen to audio content.