Today, I’m issuing an Executive Order for enhanced surveillance, requiring commercial labs to provide laboratory specimens for in-depth analysis and sequencing. Commercial labs will also provide denominator data on their testing.
I’m also issuing an Executive Order to detail what “essential services” are for the employers, families & citizens across AZ. This is a proactive and administrative measure that ensures the state has one consistent, overarching policy so Arizonans have clarity and consistency.
We’ve seen first-hand the impact of #COVID19 — with two Arizona lives lost to this virus. And as we work to increase testing capacity, we expect more confirmed positive cases.
But, we aren’t standing by idle. Health professionals, education leaders, workforce policy experts, the public sector, the private sector, the National Guard and much more are working around the clock to combat the spread of #COVID19 and protect public health.
Arizona has taken proactive measures to fight the spread. Weeks ago, I issued a public health emergency to provide health officials and administrators with the tools needed to combat #COVID19 and reduce financial burdens on Arizonans.
Additionally, we’ve worked with Superintendent Kathy Hoffman to securely close our schools, with a priority to minimize the impact on our students and teachers. And we’ve delayed expiration dates on driver licenses so our elderly population doesn’t have to visit the MVD.
We’ve also:
Halted in-person visitations at state prisons
Pledged to continue payment to child care providers
Suspended elective surgeries to preserve medical supplies
Last week, I activated the Arizona National Guard to assist in grocery stores and food banks to meet the heightened demand.
This weekend, Arizona received a shipment of more than 440 THOUSAND personal protective equipment for local hospitals and medical professionals as they address the #COVID19 outbreak and treat patients.
Today, Banner Health set up four drive-through testing sites — with more to come. Arizona is grateful for Banner’s partnership as we all come together to fight this virus and protect Arizonans.
For daily Arizona updates, visit azhealth.gov/COVID19. #COVID19
View my executive order related to essential services here: https://azgovernor.gov/governor/news/2020/03/governor-ducey-issues-executive-order-detailing-essential-services