Executive Order can be found HERE, which announces several updates to the state's COVID-19 measures. The Governors news release can be found HERE.
 
The state has seen: 

• 10 weeks of declining cases
• Hospitalizations at the lowest levels since October 2020
• Opening of vaccine appointments to all Arizonans of age groups (16 & older)
• Mass distribution of the vaccine 

Under the changes announced this morning: 

• Events with 50 people or more will no longer need the approval of local governments. 
• The business guidance will transition from requirements to recommendations, but businesses retain the ability to continue requiring masks, social distancing, and other requirements, should they choose. 
• Bars have been able to operate as "dine-in", but they will be able to resume regular operations, should they choose. 
• Local mask mandates will be phased out. Mask usage is still encouraged, especially in groups that are not vaccinated. 

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey March 25 barred Pima County from requiring everyone in the county wear a face mask when in close proximity to others in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. He also is preventing Pima County from limiting gatherings of people where social distancing can’t be maintained, or requiring businesses, such as restaurants, bars, theaters, and gyms, to follow mitigation measures that limit occupancy and increase sanitation.

“The governor appears to have declared the pandemic over while still retaining his emergency powers to prevent local jurisdictions from protecting the public from a deadly infectious disease,” said Pima County Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bronson. “We’ve seen this before. He imposed a shutdown order too late in 2020, then lifted it too early and we had the summer spike in infections. He’s making the same mistake and the tragedy of that is more people will needlessly get sick and may die by his reckless action.”

Read the full response HERE.

“Governor Ducey’s actions are pre-mature and will jeopardize Arizona lives unnecessarily. The vast majority of Arizonans are not fully vaccinated and the threat of more contagious, lethal variants remains. It is unfortunate that Governor Ducey is caving to political pressure from the far-right and hopping on the band-wagon of reckless actions of other Governors instead of following the science and doing what’s best for Arizonans.

Removing local mask requirements is not linked to spurring our economy, as the Governor suggests. On the contrary, his actions could exacerbate community transmission, prolonging the pandemic and delaying a full and permanent re-opening of our economy."

KOLD Virtual press release Here

Governor Ducey issued yet another Executive Order – this one announcing the removal of any COVID-related restrictions on public gatherings.

This week, the UA announced the virulent U.K. COVID strain has been detected on or around campus.

Over the course of the past month, we have been experiencing declines in reported COVID-19 infections. They are not eliminated, and fewer than 20% of all Pima County residents have been fully vaccinated. Now, with the emergence of the U.K. strain in our community, removing COVID guidelines related to distancing and group sizes is irresponsible and runs counter to rational public health guidance.
 

If you are a private business operator, you have the right to implement any and all CDC recommended guidelines related to mask wearing, distancing, and group sizes. The Governor does not have the legal authority to restrict the rules you put into place for the safety of your customers and your staff.

Read press release HERE.

A bill to move the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application deadline from March 31 to May 31 won approval in the U.S. Senate on Thursday.

The final vote to approve the PPP Extension Act of 2021, H.R. 1799, was 92–7.

A measure to amend the bill was narrowly defeated 52–48. The amendment would have restricted the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA’s) ability to prioritize certain PPP borrowers over others.  The votes Thursday send the legislation to President Joe Biden for his signature several days before the PPP is set to expire.

Visit the SBA.GOV website to apply for first or second round of PPP HERE

This week the THCC welcomed Armand Ojeda from SCORE, recently appointed Chapter Chair of SCORE Southern Arizona.  Armando brings seasoned leadership to SCORE from a varied career as a corporate executive, business association director and small business owner. Among his noteworthy assignments are: Director, Minority Supplier Development, Ford Motor Company; Executive Director, Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and President & CEO of Marvel Earth Management, an environmental service provider.

The volunteers at SCORE are comprised of past Business Owners, CEO's and Executives who want to give back to their community.   

The SCORE Vision is to give every person the support they need to thrive as a small business owner. The SCORE Mission is to foster vibrant small business communities through mentoring and education.  

Learn about SCORE -  About SCORE 
Visit them -  Homepage | SCORE
Watch this week's Digital Discussion - HERE