Sedona AZ (June 30, 2020) – Arizona Governor Doug Ducey mandated that beginning at 8 p.m. on June 29, 2020 large gatherings are suspended; bars, gyms, movie theaters, waterparks and tubing rentals must pause operations; and school restarts are delayed in this announcement:
As part of continued efforts to reverse the trend of COVID-19 spread in Arizona, Ducey today signed an Executive Order to prohibit large gatherings, cease the issuance of new special event licenses and pause the operations of bars, gyms, movie theaters, waterparks and tubing rentals. The pause of these business operations takes effect at 8 p.m. today, Monday, June 29 and is in effect for one month.
In addition, Ducey today announced, in coordination with Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman, the first day of school for in-person learning will be delayed until August 17, 2020. Schools will be able to conduct distance learning before then should they choose.
The Governor also announced today a new grant program for long-term care facilities. Through the program, facilities will receive $10,000 for the purchase of electronic devices to facilitate video conferencing with residents and their families.
Today’s Executive Order follows recent actions to boost diagnostic testing, including expanding rapid testing capability; amplify contact tracing; fund additional PPE and face masks for long-term care settings; and enhance guidance for establishments to limit congregating and enforce mitigation policies.
Prohibiting mass gatherings statewide
Effective June 29, 2020, even if appropriate physical distancing is possible, organized events of more than 50 people are prohibited. The Executive Order enables local governing jurisdictions, such as the city, town or county, to approve events on the condition of meeting certain safety precautions, such as physical distancing.
Pausing certain business operations
Effective at 8 p.m. on Monday, June 29, 2020, the following establishments shall pause operations until July 27, 2020:
- Bars with a series 6 or 7 liquor license from the Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (these entities may provide take-out and curbside service);
- Indoor gyms and fitness clubs or centers;
- Indoor movie theaters;
- Water parks;
- And tubing operators.
Unless extended, the pause remains in effect until June 27, 2020, after which businesses seeking to resume operations must demonstrate compliance with public health guidance as determined by the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Suspending special event licenses
Under the Executive Order, the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control shall cease issuing special event licenses for the period between June 29, 2020 and July 27, 2020.
Delaying first day of school
Ducey today signed an Executive Order delaying the first day of school for in-person learning until August 17, 2020. Schools will be able to conduct distance learning should they choose before then.
Today’s announcement follows an announcement last week of a $270 million plan to help Arizona public schools safely restart, while allowing for remote learning, addressing the achievement gap and bridging the digital divide.
Public pools, including those at hotels may continue to operate but must prohibit groups larger than 10 from congregating. Privately owned pools located in public areas like those at multi-housing complexes may continue to operate only if there is signage at all entrances to the pool reminding people of physical distancing and that groups larger than 10 should not congregate.
More information
For questions, email questions@sedonaaz.gov.
The city of Sedona reminds residents to wear face coverings, wash your hands, adhere to physical distancing and stay home if sick. To learn more information on the city’s response to COVID-19, and what resources are available for the community and businesses, go to www.sedonaaz.gov/covid19.
Health resources
Look to the following CDC, state and county resources for more information on COVID-19:
- Coconino County Health and Human Services COVID-19 hotline: 928-679-7300 and website.
- Yavapai County Health Services hotline: 928-442-5103 and website.
- Statewide hotline on all COVID-19-related issues: dial 211.
- CDC website on coronavirus.
- Tips on coronavirus prevention and 10 ways to manage respiratory symptoms at home.
- Arizona Department of Health and Human Services information.
- CDC’s travel notices.