Various businesses including some bars, gyms, movie theaters, water parks, and tube operators in Maricopa and Pima counties have been given the green light to reopen with significantly reduced capacity.
This marks the moving of these counties into the "moderate" reopening phase. Pinal County was also expected to move into the "moderate" phase, but instead, remains in the "substantial" phase of the coronavirus pandemic.
ADHS Director Dr. Cara Christ said in a blog post on Thursday, "This is a credit to all of the things Arizonans have done to reduce the spread of COVID-19."
She continued, "We've worn masks, physically distanced, washed our hands, and so much more. In short, we've made smart decisions for the common good. It's important that we keep that up."
With the "moderate" reopening phase comes 25% capacity for gyms and 50% capacity for movie theaters, water parks, tube operators, and bars/nightclubs that serve food.
Forgoing an application process for reopening, businesses will instead be required to fill out an attestation form stating that they agree to follow the state's reopening guidelines. This will require that masks be worn, increased sanitation, following of social distancing measures, and screening of staff for COVID-19.
ADHS has said, "Businesses not complying with the required mitigation measures will be subject to strict enforcement."
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