Step by step, Scottsdale Quarter reopens from COVID-19 closure

Some shoppers return as state eases up on COVID-19 retail restrictions

Some stores at Scottsdale Quarter have reopened, and those who did have implemented special measures due to the ongoing pandemic. FOX 10's Bailey Miller reports.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - All stores in Arizona are now allowed to resume in-store operations, as restrictions put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic have been eased.

On Match 30, Gov. Ducey announced a stay-at-home order that saw many businesses not classified as essential services close their doors.

"The time for further action is now," Gov. Ducey at the time.

The stay-at-home order, officially titled as a "Stay home, Stay healthy, Stay connected" policy, asks Arizonans to limit their time away from their home. The executive order has listed a number of activities that are exempt from the order.

While the stay-at-home order has since been extended to May 15, barbers and salons were allowed to reopen on May 8, while restaurants were allowed to resume dine-in operations on May 11.

People react to store opening

As some stores located at the Scottsdale Quarter reopen, people are responding to this latest development in the COVID-19 pandemic.

26 stores, along with some restaurants, have reopened at the Scottsdale Quarter as of Monday, welcoming customers into their stores with signs and a list of guidelines. Some shoppers say they are willing to follow the rules to get back to normalcy.

"We are just shopping around, just running errands we have been in the house so long we just wanted to get out," said Madi Powelson.

Madi and her brother, Mike, say there are some rules that will take getting used to.

"It felt weird, and most fitting rooms are closed, so I was at Forever 21 I had so much in my hand and couldn’t try it on so I put it back," said Madi.

To keep everyone safe, the quarter's staff has moved seating in the open areas farther a part, and are stepping up their sanitizing and cleaning.

"Anything people are touching, we are sanitizing throughout the day just to major sure we are on top of it," said Christina Calhoun, Director of Marketing at the Scottsdale Quarter.

The store has its own rules that shoppers need to follow, but officials with the Scottsdale Quarter are asking everyone to wear masks, and to practice social distancing.

However, it’s still not business as usual for some, with many storefronts still have signs in their windows saying they are closed.

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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.