Arizona’s stay-home order among last to expire

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Before Arizona’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected” executive order expired May 15, Gov. Doug Ducey was just one of a handful of Republican governors whose states were still under some derivation of a stay-at-home policy.

While some states announced restrictions earlier than Arizona’s March 31 start date, many of them were quick to reopen their states either in April or early May, whereas Ducey opted to extend Arizona’s order an extra two weeks until May 15. The original order would have expired close of business April 30.

Arizona began to allow restaurants to reopen for dine-in on May 11, and swimming pools, gyms, and more to reopen on May 13, which is still later than most other states.

Ducey’s decisions still did not come without criticisms from Republicans and Democrats.

Ducey and his staff have said every decision they made came from advice from local health officials like Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, as well as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the White House.

Democrats called on Ducey before the extension on April 29 to keep the order in place, whereas staunch conservatives demanded he reopen the state early. The same conservatives were the ones rallying at the Capitol on multiple occasions in what was dubbed “touch your face” rallies, and even spurred an idealistic recall effort against the governor.

Impatient Republican lawmakers even criticized the governor one week before the order was set to expire, claiming it was not soon enough.

Ducey is far from the only governor to issue an extension or modified stay-at-home order, but in doing so, Arizona’s final duration for residents to remain at home (with some exceptions) was 45 days. Most other states with Republican governors – 25 in total, not including Arizona – were in place for roughly one month.

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott, who implemented a “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order on March 25, joined Arizona in letting it expire on May 15, but began the state’s phased reopening on April 20. Scott also allowed small gatherings of 10 or fewer people on May 6, recommending they happen outdoors if possible.

He also advised adults ages 65 and older to continue to stay home due to the risk of severe illness.

Maryland also lifted its stay-at-home order on May 15, after 46 days, but Gov. Larry Hogan replaced it with a new health advisory. He allowed some businesses to reopen on May 13, but with a 50% capacity and advised the public to practice safe social distancing and wearing of masks.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker kicked his stay-at-home order into effect on March 24 and let it expire May 18, but Baker replaced it with a “Safer At Home” order asking people to still remain home unless it’s for a medical reason, work, or one of the few things involved in the state’s slow reopening.

“The new Safer At Home advisory instructs everyone to stay home unless they’re headed to a newly opened facility or activity,” Baker said. “And it also advises those over the age of 65, and those with underlying health conditions, to stay home except for absolutely necessary trips – things like health care and groceries.”

Only Alabama, New Hampshire and Tennessee have ongoing stay-at-home orders, and Ohio just ended its order May 19, which was earlier than expected.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey first implemented her stay-at-home order on April 4. It was set to expire on April 30 to coincide with the state’s reopening. And after an 11-day lull, Ivey opted to adopt a new “Safer At Home” order which expires May 22, with some exceptions. Alabama will still allow non-work gatherings with no size restrictions, but six-feet apart from one another – including houses of worship. And gyms, barbershops, restaurants and bars can reopen with restrictions.

As opposed to Arizona though, Alabama has not allowed theaters or casinos to open back up.

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu’s executive order is scheduled to drag on the latest, and will expire May 31. But this is under a modified “Stay at Home 2.0.” Sununu said the state is looking to reopen based on facts, science and data. Restaurants, limited to 50% capacity with only outdoor seating and no more than six people to a table, and retail shops are now open in the state.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee issued his on April 1 and it is set to expire May 30, after an extension.

“The order allows Tennesseans and businesses to return to work in all industries where that can be safely accomplished by following health guidelines, while urging employers to allow or require remote work/telework if possible,” the governor announced in a statement.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine issued his stay-at-home order effective on March 24 – it expired on April 6, but DeWine extended it with the target to reopen May 29. He lifted the order on May 19, though, saying most restrictions are voluntary, but some, like mass gatherings and those involving bars and restaurants, are still mandatory.

DeWine replaced the stay-at-home order with what he calls “Urgent Health Advisory: Ohioans Protecting Ohioans” order.