PHOENIX — PHOENIX — Arizona Governor Doug Ducey will let Arizona's stay-at-home order expire Friday night.
At a news conference Tuesday, the governor said Arizona has met the criteria issued by the White House and Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.
A new executive order will take effect on Saturday that builds on Arizona's efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.
This effort includes ramping up testing availability and frequency, tracking key health metrics, and enhanced safety protocols for people in high risk facilities such as nursing homes.
Gov. Ducey said at-risk individuals -- like those over age 65 or with pre-existing medical conditions -- should continue staying at home for their own safety.
Since the start of this pandemic, Arizona has taken a calm and steady approach to protecting health and slowing the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Ducey. “Today, our hospitals have capacity to provide care to those who need it; our businesses are implementing and adapting to new physical distancing measures; and data shows Arizona is headed in the right direction. It is time to move forward with the next steps of Arizona’s economic recovery — while continuing to make health and safety our number one priority. I’m grateful to all Arizonans for their partnership and cooperation during these trying times. By continuing to follow the data and recommendations of public health officials, we can continue to move forward safely and responsibly together.
The governor also said gyms and pools -- both public and private -- can reopen starting Wednesday, May 13. The pools and gyms will still have to follow CDC guidelines on physical distancing restrictions and sanitation, Ducey said.
RELATED: Pima County not opening pools, splash pads May 13 despite lifted restrictions
Then, Ducey said the state would allow major league sporting events to resume in the state, without fans, on May 15. Ducey also said he had been in touch with several major leagues, telling them they're welcome to hold games in Arizona.
Arizona Department of Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ and Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs Director Major General Michael T. McGuire are also expected to be in attendance for this afternoon's press briefing.
RELATED: COVID-19 | Coronavirus FULL SECTION
