Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R) on Tuesday announced a delay in evictions for Arizona renters who have lost income due to the coronavirus pandemic or been quarantined as a result of it.

“Nobody should be forced out of their home because of COVID-19,” Ducey said in a statement. “This order is about protecting public health and providing relief to families impacted by this virus — whether through sickness or economic hardship. This is the right thing to do to support Arizona families during their time of need and prevent the spread of COVID-19."

The order will remain in effect for 120 days and follows a federal suspension of evictions for all Department of Housing and Urban Development-financed properties that was announced March 18.

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Ducey’s order applies to renters who have been quarantined because of a coronavirus diagnosis or who have another member of the household quarantined, those who have been instructed to self-quarantine by a medical professional based on symptoms, those who have a health condition that puts them at risk and those who have suffered a major loss of income.

The announcement comes as more than half of Maricopa County justices of the peace have agreed to automatic delays on evictions amid the pandemic.

"The Governor’s order not only protects tenants but all Arizonans,” Pamela Bridge, director of Advocacy and Litigation at Community Legal Services, told the Arizona Republic. “Losing a home is catastrophic at any time, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing families out of their homes in search of other housing endangers the public health of all Arizonans.”