Phoenix, Tucson mayors say governor's stay-at-home order doesn't go far enough

The mayors of Arizona's two largest cities say Gov. Doug Ducey's "stay at home" order does not go far enough to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The directive will take effect at close of business Tuesday and apply through at least April 30. Those who don't comply could face a Class 1 misdemeanor, but they will receive a warning first.

Ducey's order defines "essential" more broadly than similar directives issued in other states, and does not require people to "provide documentation or proof … to justify their activities."

A few hours before Ducey announced his order, several mayors sent a letter to Ducey asking him to issue a statewide stay-at-home order.

"Twenty-eight other states that represent more than 50% of the American constituency have already officially urged everyone to stay home. The ever-increasing numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths serve as a stark indicator of what is to come if we do not take action now," the mayors' letter stated.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, Tolleson Mayor Anna Tovar, El Mirage Mayor Alexis Hermosillo, Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans, Fountain Hills Mayor Ginny Dickey, Guadalupe Mayor Valerie Molina, Winslow Mayor Thomas L. McCauley and Superior Mayor Mila Besich signed onto the letter, saying they represent "millions of vulnerable Arizonans."

Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell sent a separate but similar letter to Ducey calling for a stay-at home order on Monday as well. He later joined another letter the mayors sent to Ducey criticizing his decision to allow businesses like salons stay open.

Gallego and Romero criticized Ducey's announcement, saying it did not go far enough because it deemed too many services as "essential." His list includes outdoor recreation, banks, hardware stores, laundry services, airlines, ride-sharing services, law firms, accounting officers, day-care centers and hotels.

During a council meeting shortly after the governor's announcement ended, Gallego called the order "one of the weakest" in the country.

"I personally am deeply disappointed in the governor's executive order," Gallego said. "It does not send the strongest message about social distancing."

What's already closed?

On March 19, Ducey restricted restaurant service and closed bars, theaters and gyms in counties with confirmed COVID-19. As of now, every Arizona county has a confirmed case.

Last week, Ducey signed an executive order outlining "essential" businesses that can stay open in the event of a shut down. He also mandated that cities cannot order any "essential" businesses to close.

Essential businesses include:

Health care and public health operations.

Services for elderly people, those with developmental disabilities, foster and adoption children and individuals experiencing homelessness.

Infrastructure operation, such as food production, utility operators, construction and internet providers.

First responders and other emergency personnel.

Grocery stores and pharmacies.

Veterinary care.

Outdoor recreation.

Charities and social service organizations, including nonprofits and food banks.

Media organizations.

Gas stations and other transportation-related businesses.

Banks and credit unions.

Hardware and supply stores.

"Critical trades," such as plumbers, electricians, cleaning, sanitation and security.

Shipping and mail services.

Educational institutions.

Laundry services.

Restaurants, for takeout and delivery.

Suppliers for essential businesses.

Distributors that enable telework.

Airlines, taxis and ride-sharing services.

Residential facilities and shelters.

Legal, real estate and accounting services.

Day-care centers for employees of essential businesses.

Manufacturers and distributors of "critical products."

Hotels.

Funeral services.

On Friday, Romero ordered the closure of non-essential businesses in Tucson temporarily.

Romero also advised, but is not forcing, barbershops, spas, and hair and nail salons to close.

Ducey's executive order deems "personal hygiene services" like nail salons and hair salons essential.

Evans went against that order last week and issued her own order closing all "personal hygiene services" in Flagstaff.

Ducey's stay-at-home order reiterated that cities cannot override the governor's order or change what businesses are and aren't essential.

But during Monday's Phoenix council meeting, Government Affairs Director Frank McCune told the council that they may be able to limit access to parks and trails, even though "outdoor recreation" is essential.

He said that if the city can't maintain social distance requirements, the council could limit access or restrict amenities at city-run parks.

Based on that guidance, the council voted to close down playgrounds, basketball courts, volleyball courts, outdoor fitness equipment and indoor sports courts.

During a council meeting on Wednesday, the council will consider whether it should restrict access to the city's hiking trails as well.

Last weekend, the city restricted parking access at popular trail heads but did not close trails altogether.

Parks and Recreation Director Inger Erickson said the parking restrictions cut traffic at the trails by about 50%.

Reach the reporter at jessica.boehm@gannett.com or 480-694-1823. Follow her on Twitter @jboehm_NEWS.

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