Stay Healthy, Return Smarter, Return Stronger

Balancing Public Safety

Isabel Georgelos

There is no doubt that we all yearn for normalcy and the announcement today was hopeful for many.   However, Governor Ducey made it clear “This does not mean a return to normal,”.  Governor Ducey stressed, “It’s the next step forward on the way out of this pandemic.” 

In addition to viewing the Governors press conference today, I also watched the Senate Hearings with the top medical officials of the Pandemic Task Force, Dr Fauci National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases Director, Dr. Robert Redfield CDC Director, Stephen Hahn FDA Commissioner, and Admiral Brett Giroir Department of Health & Human Services. 
It was sobering to listen to them speak to the challenges that lay ahead with Americans returning to work and the impact of re-opening. 

We are all now faced with the responsibility of doing our part to adhere to the Governors call to "Stay Healthy, Return Smarter, Return Stronger” policy that promotes physical distancing, while encouraging social connectedness and allows businesses to gradually and safely open in compliance with federal guidelines.

Still in effect are key safety protocols to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 including the following:

  1. Promoting healthy hygiene practices

  2. Intensifying cleaning, disinfection and ventilation practices

  3. Monitoring for sickness

  4. Ensuring physical distancing

  5. Providing necessary protective equipment (PPE)

  6. Allowing for and encouraging teleworking where feasible

  7. Providing plans, where possible, to return to work in phases

  8. Limiting the congregation of groups of no more than 10 persons when feasible and in relation to the size of the location.

We all have the desire to get back some of what we have lost.  We will only achieve this by working together, and by keeping each other safe.  ​

Governor Ducey Announces Next Phase Of Arizona Recovery


Stay At Home Order To Expire On May 15; Replaced By New Guidance For Economic Recovery That Prioritizes Health And Physical Distancing

Governor Doug Ducey today announced that the Stay At Home order in Arizona will be ending on May 15th and replaced by new guidance for the next stage of economic recovery. ​
  • The Stay at Home order issued by the Governor will expire this Friday, May 15th at midnight, along with EO 2020-24 (travel advisory) and 2020-33 (“Returning Stronger”). All of our other executive orders will stay in place. 
  • As of Saturday, May 16 at 12 AM, EO 2020-36 shall become effective. This EO reminds people to promote physical distancing and allows businesses to gradually and safely open in compliance with federal, OSHA and ADHS guidelines. 
  • Pools, spas and gyms can open tomorrow, Wednesday 5/13/20, with appropriate physical distancing and CDC guidance implemented. See Guidance links below. 
  • Vulnerable individuals with underlying health conditions and those above age 65 should still stay at home and leave the house for essential services only. 
 The Arizona Department of Health Services also released additional guidance for businesses and customers as more industries resume partial operations. This guidance includes:
  • Pools, with physical distancing and enhanced sanitation - can reopen Wednesday, May 13 (GUIDANCE)
  • Gyms & Fitness Providers, with physical distancing and enhanced sanitation - can reopen Wednesday, May 13 (GUIDANCE)
  • Spas, with physical distancing and enhanced sanitation - can reopen Wednesday, May 13 (GUIDANCE)  
  • While never formally closed, many Places of Worship opted to temporarily change or suspend services. As they resume operations, you can find guidance here:  GUIDANCE 

Building Consumer Confidence

As we look toward recovery, consumers are looking for critical milestones to resume their in-person activities and behavior patterns.

Consumers are waiting for

  • A lift of government restrictions

  • Medical authorities to voice their approval

  • A vaccine to be developed 

Consumers across the country have not been engaging in many activities outside their homes.  Activities are limited to shopping for groceries, working, and seeing their families.  As consumers contemplate returning to shopping in stores, they are looking for increased cleaning procedures as well as masks or gloves on patrons and employees.  Businesses will need to demonstrate the environments are safe and consumers will look for visible signs.  

Data from - McKinsey & Company

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