Grand Canyon Times

With much of the nation eager to get back into business after nearly two months of COVID-19-related closures, Arizona is bracing itself for a phased reopening. 

According to Tucson, while some restaurants are beginning to reopen after the coronavirus lockdown has expired, there are changes to how the restaurants are operating. Countless restaurant owners are only able to hold a fraction of the clientele that they previously did. 

Jesus Bonillas of American Eat Co., for example, must continue to make social distancing possible and as such is only able to seat 65 people rather than 240, which was the previous capacity. Additional safety and hygiene measures include more hand sanitizer dispensers and removing napkin and utensil dispensers. 

Gov. Doug Ducey (R) issued an executive order outlining how the businesses should proceed at this time. 

According to the Office of Gov. Ducey, “The governor issued an Executive Order allowing cosmetologists and barber shops to resume appointment-based services May 8 and restaurants and coffee shops to resume dine-in services with physical distancing measures on Monday, May 11.”

Ducey said that the state is still directing its efforts toward helping those in need and ensuring that public health is prioritized. 

Arizona residents are still being told to stay at home whenever possible. 

“Arizona will continue to take a steady approach and work with the Arizona Department of Health Services as we breathe life back into our businesses and provide guidance on reopening,” Ducey said.

Barbers and cosmetologists were allowed to go back to work on May 8 and will be required to use face masks in addition to following additional safety measures. 

Coffee shops and restaurants were allowed to return to dine-in offerings on May 11 but are expected to use physical distance practices and limit the number of clients in their establishments to ensure that they can continue to stop the spread of the coronavirus.