Grand Canyon Times

A partial reopening and the easing of stay-at-home orders in May has led to an increase in cases of the COVID-19 virus, so Gov. Doug Ducey announced new mandates to combat the pandemic.

“We remain 100% focused on protecting public health and saving lives,” Ducey said on his website at azgovernor.gov. “As we continue to expand testing and prioritize our most vulnerable populations, today’s stepped-up actions will help further contain the spread of COVID-19 by requiring enhanced compliance with public health guidelines, expanding contact tracing and providing additional resources to boost local public health efforts. We need to redouble our efforts and we need everyone to do their part. We will continue to closely track the data, work with officials around the state and make this our highest priority.”

The actions announced on June 17 included boosting testing for the virus, working closer with Arizona counties and using the National Guard to provide additional resources for communities in the state.

The governor also called for the limiting of public crowds and providing funding ($10 million) for face masks and protective gear called PPE’s.

Contact tracing to see where the virus developed will also be enhanced under the state’s actions.

Residents are requested to maintain six feet of space from others, while employees at work sites are to be provided with masks and symptom checks for employees to be performed as they arrive for work. The sick are required to stay at home and increased hand-washing and substance sanitizing called for.

Law enforcement officers will have the authority to enforce the guidelines, the website stated.