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What Arizona Residents Can and Cannot Do Under Stay-At-Home Order

By on April 1, 2020 0 932Views

Gov. Doug Ducey’s issued a stay-at-home executive order that goes into effect Tuesday, March 31, at 5 p.m. and is currently scheduled to last through April 30.

Per the executive order, Arizona residents can leave home to:

  • Go grocery shopping or pick up prescriptions
  • To use any other services or produces provided by essential businesses
  • Care for a family member, friend or pet in another home
  • Go to work at an essential function
  • Get equipment needed to work from home
  • Seek medical, behavioral health or emergency services
  • Get outside for some exercise
  • To work at a non-essential business as long as that business is not open to the public
  • Engage in constitutionally protected free speech or religious activities

If you are leaving home for any reason, you must engage in proper physical distancing. Meaning, everyone should stay at least six feet from other people wherever possible.

What is Essential Work?

Governments at either the city or county levels are not allowed to issue proclamations that change what Ducey has designated essential services.

Last week, Ducey detailed all the jobs considered “essential” in an executive order. The list includes hospitals, groceries, gas stations and even golf courses, “personal hygiene services” and more.

How will the stay at home order be enforced?

According to Arizona law, if a resident knowingly violates the executive order, that person can be found guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor. However, the order says people will be warned and given an opportunity to comply prior to any enforcement action being taken. Documentation will not be required to prove essential activities while away from home.

What is the difference between ‘stay-at-home’ and ‘shelter-in-place’?

California have “shelter-in-place” orders currently in effect. Arizona was issued a “stay-at-home” executive order. Ultimately both of these terms mean the same thing, which is do not leave your home unless absolutely necessary. The directive is not a total lockdown. Grocery stores and pharmacies are still open, and people can leave their homes for some fresh air and exercise as long as they are practicing social distancing.

Is public transportation still operating?

Public transportation is still scheduled to still run. The executive order asks residents to only use it when absolutely necessary.  In addition, riders are to remain at least six feet from other riders and from drivers. It is recommended to not touch your face during or after your ride and wash your hands immediately upon traveling.

Can I still move out?

Moving and relocations services are on the list as essential businesses and remain open. If you have plans to move homes, this is still allowed.

Can I leave the state?

The federal government can limit interstate travel if they choose. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention travel advisory is strongly urging residents of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to refrain from unnecessary travel, however no further restrictions have been imposed.  Some governors have imposed 14-day quarantines for travelers from other states, but Arizona has not issued that type of order.

What does this mean the homeless people?

The homeless are exempt from the stay-at-home order but it strongly encouraged to find shelter as soon as possible.

What about other situations?

Hotels, motels and shelters count as homes under the executive order. Domestic violence survivors may also leave home if it is unsafe and shelter in another location.