Grand Canyon Times

An executive order issued April 29 by Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey that extended the stay-at-home order until May 15 to mitigate COVID-19 has expired as more businesses may open and employees can return to work.

Ducey signed Executive Order 2020-36 “Stay Healthy, Return Smarter, Return Stronger,” that allows businesses to gradually and safely open in compliance with federal guidelines as the state continues to mitigate and prevent the spread of COVID-19, according to the order that went into effect at 12 a.m. May 16. The new order replaces Executive Order 2020-33 issued April 29 that extended the state’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected Order” to May 15.

Previously, retailers were allowed to resume limited operations (April 29 Executive Order 2020-33); barbers, cosmetologists and retailers were permitted to open (May 8); and dine-in services were allowed to resume (May 11), according to the new executive order.

The new executive order gives businesses guidelines on limiting and mitigating the coronavirus’ spread, including “intensifying cleaning, disinfection and ventilation practices; monitoring for sickness, ensuring physical distancing and providing necessary protective equipment,” the new executive order said.

“It is time to move forward with the next steps of Arizona’s economic recovery,” Ducey said in the May 12 press release.