Twice over the last ten days, Arizona Mayors have sent letters to Governor Doug Ducey with regards to needed steps to address the community needs during the Coronavirus.
The first letter, dated March 24, 2020, dealt with guidance on what qualifies on nonessential services and the issuance of a moratorium on foreclosures and evictions.
Governor Ducey reacted quickly and issued a 120-day moratorium on evictions for people impacted by the Coronavirus.
On March 30, the Mayors sent a second letter imploring the Governor to issue a Stay at Home Order.
Mr. Ducey declared one within a couple of hours of the letter’s release.
This evening (April 2, 2020,) some of Arizona’s Mayors (most of whom were signatories on the first two) sent out the third letter, formally asked the Governor to narrow the list of businesses and vendors that qualify as essential services.
Citing the guidance provided by a list from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security (C.I.S.A.) Agency at the Department of Homeland Security, the Mayors pointed out:
“Nowhere on this list are personal hygiene services, such as beauty salons or manicurists. We believe in tailoring the state’s list of essential services, we should also be focused on the message we are sending to Arizonans. Although recreation is not defined as an essential service or activity by CISA, we do believe that getting outside into nature is important for the mental and physical health of residents. However, we believe that keeping social locations open, such as golf course clubhouses and barber shops, sends a signal that this virus is not as serious as it truly is. We strongly urge you to tailor your list of essential services in support of the healthcare workers and first responders risking their health to keep our community safe from COVID-19.”
If the past is any indicator, lightning will strike a third time and the Governor will shortly heed the Mayor’s recommendation.
A link to the letter is below.
April 2 Governor Ducey Essential Services List
The Mayors that signed the letter were:
- Gerardo Anaya of Somerton
- Mila Besich of Superior
- Ginny Dickey of Fountain Hills
- Coral Evans of Flagstaff
- Kate Gallego of Phoenix
- Thomas L. McCauley of Winslow
- Mark Mitchell of Tempe
- Regina Romero of Tucson
- Ana Tovar of Tolleson
UPDATE: At a virtual townhall yesterday evening (April 2, 2020,( Governor Ducey indicated after questions from viewers and journalists that beauty salons should not be included among essential services. More will probably follow later today.
This afternoon (April 3, 2020,) Governor Ducey issued a letter that mandated beauty salons, basketball courts, splash pads, playgrounds and public restrooms at public parks, communal pools, and swap meets close by 5:00 p.m. on April 4, 2020.
The Mayor’s letter worked to a large extent again.
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