Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey: Barbers and salons to reopen May 8, restaurant dine-in operations return May 11

PHOENIX - Gov. Doug Ducey held a news conference on the COVID-19 pandemic on Monday, outlining a plan for the state to resume dine-in operations at restaurants, as well as a plan to allow barbers and hair salons to resume operations.

Ducey: Arizona headed in the right direction

During Monday's news conference, Gov. Ducey said Arizona is "headed in the right direction" in terms of the pandemic, with a downward trajectory of flu and COVID-like illnesses, as well as a downward trajectory of positive COVID-19 tests and expanded testing availability.

Reopening plans announced for salons

Gov. Ducey shares updates on COVID-19 and Arizona’s efforts to safely reopen businesses

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, Dept. of Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ and Dept. of Emergency and Military Affairs Director Major Gen. Michael T. McGuire provide an update on the state’s response to COVID-19.

During the news conference, Gov. Ducey provided information on when salons, barbershops, and restaurants can resume operations, on a day when non-essential businesses are allowed to reopen in Arizona to a limited degree.

On April 29, Gov. Ducey announced that Arizona's stay-at-home order, which took effect on March 31, will be extended to May 15.

"We’re going to return to physical health and economic health the Arizona way," Gov. Ducey said, during a news conference on April 29. "It will be gradual and phased in."

Elective surgeries have resumed, starting on May 1. 1,090 establishments were declared eligible to resume surgeries, according to Gov. Ducey.

On Monday, retailers not classified as an essential business were allowed to operate through delivery service and other means that do not entail in-store sales.

On May 8, non-essential retailers can sell items to customers in-store. Barbers and salons will also be allowed to reopen on that date. These establishments will have to implement health protection measures and CDC guidelines, including reduced capacity and comprehensive sanitation protocols.

In addition, salons and barbershops will have to provide cloth face coverings for employees and visitors to wear, and they are being asked to operate on an appointment-only basis to manage occupancy levels. Meanwhile, waiting areas and service areas should provide for appropriate physical distancing.

Restaurants allowed to resume dine-in operations

Gov. Ducey announces resumption date for dine-in operations and salons

Restaurants have been selling food to go due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, dine-in services at restaurants will be allowed to resume on May 11, with certain health protection guidelines in place, such as limiting dining parties to no more than 10 people, operating at a reduced capacity, and implement symptom screening for employees prior to the start of their work shift.

In addition, restaurants are asked to continue to provide delivery or curbside service, implement comprehensive sanitation protocols, and limit areas that are conducive to congregating.

Plans for gyms and pools will be announced at a later time, according to Gov. Ducey.

Expanded testing, contact tracing

The news conference on Monday also happened after the first weekend of a COVID-19 testing blitz. During Monday's news conference, Gov. Ducey announced that more positive cases of COVID-19 will be reported as a result of more people getting tested. In addition, the state government has a goal to increase testing at long-term care facilities, as well as for inmates and correctional officers at correctional facilities

Gov. Ducey also said, during the news conference, that more information on a contact tracing program will be released later by the Arizona Department of Health Services.

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COVID-19 symptoms

Symptoms for coronavirus COVID-19 include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. These, of course, are similar to the common cold and flu.

Expect a common cold to start out with a sore or scratchy throat, cough, runny and/or stuffy nose. Flu symptoms are more intense and usually come on suddenly, and can include a high fever.

Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear more slowly. They usually include fever, a dry cough and noticeable shortness of breath, according to the World Health Organization. A minority of cases develop pneumonia, and the disease is especially worrisome for the elderly and those with other medical problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes or heart conditions.

Right now there's one big difference between flu and coronavirus: A vaccine exists to help prevent the flu and it's not too late to get it. It won't protect you from catching the coronavirus, but may put you in a better position to fight it.

To protect yourself, wash your hands well and often, keep them away from your face, and avoid crowds and standing close to people.

And if you do find yourself showing any of these flu or coronavirus symptoms - don't go straight to your doctor's office. That just risks making more people sick, officials urge. Call ahead, and ask if you need to be seen and where.

Why social distancing can save lives amid COVID-19 pandemic

Social distancing is not only about preventing the illness itself, but rather, slowing the rate at which people get sick. 

In order to protect yourself from a possible infection, the CDC recommends:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.