Arizona Issues “Stay-At-Home” Order Starting March 31 to Fight Coronavirus

Dan Kingston April 1, 2020 AZ Cannabis News

Numerous states throughout the U.S. have been put on “stay-at-home” orders restricting residents to their homes except for when traveling to or from “essential” businesses.

Arizona has now joined those states with a mandatory stay-at-home order that is effective from March 31 at 5pm until April 30, ABC 15 reported. And it’s possible that Governor Ducey could extend the lockdown past April 30.

Ducey said the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected” order was created to promote “physical distancing, while also encouraging social connectedness.”

Fortunately, Arizona medical marijuana dispensaries have been deemed essential by the state because they provide medicine, which is essential to Arizonans.

Many dispensaries have implemented safety precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). For example, most offer online ordering, pick-up and/or delivery services, are using personal protective equipment, restrict the amount of patients allowed inside, and frequently disinfect surfaces.

According to ABC 15, Ducey has deemed these types of businesses as essential:

Health care and public health operations, including hospitals, public health entities, distributors of personal protective equipment and biotechnology companies;
Human services operations, including those that provide services for the elderly, those with developmental disabilities, foster and adoption children and the homeless;
Infrastructure operations, including food production, utility operators, construction and internet providers;
Government functions, including first responders, emergency management personnel, 911 operators, child protection staff, welfare providers and more;
Business operations, including grocery and medicine providers, outdoor recreation;
Organizations that provide charitable and social services, including religious and secular non-profit organizations and food banks;
Media organizations, including newspaper, television, radio and other media services;
Gas stations and other transportation-related businesses
Financial institutions, including banks and credit unions;
Hardware and supply stores;
Critical trades, including
Plumbers, electricians, cleaning, sanitation, HVAC and security staff;
Mail, post, shipping and logistics;
Education institutions, including public and private K-12 schools, universities and research entities;
Laundry services
Restaurants for consumption off-premises;
Supplies distributors that enable telework and work from home and those that supply essential businesses;
Transportation, including airlines, taxis, and ride-sharing;
Home-based and care services,
Including for seniors and those with developmental disabilities;
Residential facilities and shelters, including those for children, seniors or at-risk populations;
Professional services, including legal, real estate and accounting services;
Day care centers for employees exempted through the order;
Manufacturers, distribution and producers of supply chain-critical products;
Hotels and motels;
And funeral services.