Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has issued numerous executive orders relating to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. The following is a list of some of the more significant orders issued over the last month or so. Some violations could result in a misdemeanor charge:
- March 11, 2020 – Proactive Measures to Protect Against COVID-19. This order includes, among other things, (a) requiring insurers to cover coronavirus testing; (b) directing DHS to provide policies for nursing, intermediate care and assisted living facilities for screening, disinfecting, and distancing patients; and (c) insurance coverage for telemedicine visits.
- March 19, 2020 – Limits on in-person MVD Visits for Driver License Renewals. This directs the ADOT to defer requirements for renewal of driver licenses and permits for six months.
- March 19, 2020 – Limits on Operations of Certain Businesses. Bars, movie theaters and gyms and fitness clubs are required to be closed until further notice. Any restaurant in a county with a confirmed COVID-19 case must discontinue on-site dining, although pick-up, delivery and drive-through operations may continue. The order also contains numerous conditions on the sale of alcoholic beverages; and allows cafeterias at nursing homes and hospitals to remain open, within social distancing guidelines.
- March 19, 2020 – Delays Elective Surgery. Medical and dental elective surgeries are barred effective March 21, 2020.
- March 20, 2020.- Making sure that those who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19 receive unemployment insurance if otherwise eligible, and waiving waiting periods and other requirements.
- March 23, 2020 – Barring Closure of Essential Services. This order bars any governmental subdivision from issuing any order restricting the performance of healthcare operations, nursing or similar facilities, food production and distribution operations, grocery stores and pharmacies, social services organizations, financial institutions, and others.
- March 23, 2020 – Enhanced Surveillance. Permits Arizona DHS and local health organizations to access confidential patient records, and requires hospitals to report on ventilator use, inpatient beds in use and similar information.
- March 24, 2020 – Postponement of Eviction Actions. Generally prohibits evictions from residential housing under a variety of circumstances, including against those with certain health conditions, and those with COVID-19-related job loss or reduction in compensation. It also prohibits landlords from considering COVID-19 as a reason for termination of a lease. These provisions will remain in effect for 120 days.
- March 30, 2020 – Stay Home, Stay Healthy. This is probably the most controversial of all the orders. It requires individuals to stay at home unless they are engaged in Essential Activities, as that term is defined in the order. Essential activities include obtaining food, outdoor exercise, caring for a family member, and a number of other activities.
There are numerous other orders relating to the Coronavirus issued by Governor Ducey. We are hopeful that the approach outlined above will be successful in helping to stem the spread of the virus.
Law Offices of David A. Black
40 North Central Avenue #1850
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(480) 280-8028