(Image source from: ktar.com)

With the consistent rise in the number of confirmed cases in Arizona, Governor Doug Ducey finally takes after the lead of the other 28 states and announced a “Stay at Home” order to prevent further spread of the virus.

While the official number of confirmed cases in Arizona is currently at 1,157 and 20 reported deaths, as of early March 31, 2020, it is likely that the number of infected people is a lot more than that.

The first positive case of coronavirus was detected in Greenlee on Sunday night, meaning that all the 15 counties of Arizona have confirmed cases of Covid-19.

In order to prevent further spread and to keep everyone healthy and in the best condition, the Governor of Arizona, Doug Ducey finally announced the stay at home orders on March 30, 2020 which is going to be effective from March 31, 2020 from 5:00 PM onwards.

The “Stay home, Stay healthy, Stay connected” policy has been reported to initiate physical distancing but improve the social connectedness. This policy has been imposed along with all the preceding steps that the Arizona government has already announced and implemented till date.

As per this new implemented policy, all the residents of Arizona have been advised to limit their presence inside their homes, except for a few exemptions.

Some of them include:

• To take part in some of the essential activities like buying groceries, medicines or any emergency
• For employment or volunteer purposes
• No requirement of documentation proof to justify the activities one is conducting outside their home

The Governor, as per the new imposed policy, also urges its citizens to practice better social connectedness. Some of the important ways by which the same can be done is with the help of the ongoing connections with the social groups and even educating your friends, families or even neighbours about the negative impacts of social isolation on health.

Enhance virtual social gatherings; indulge in physical activities around your home or even assisting the ‘at-risk’ population who are not likely to step out of their houses to stock up on the essentials.

The order has been issued till April 30, 2020, unless extended. It all depends on the situation in Arizona and the entirety of the United States.

Under the policy, some of the essential activities that allow the citizens will have access to include:

• Getting the necessary supplies for their homes, be it groceries or even the medical supplies. The same can even include equipments that an individual needs to get their work from home gear sorted. Sanitation and home maintenance items are also included in this.
• In need of emergency medical or behavioural health for family members or pets
• Caring for a family member, pet or even a relative or neighbour who is residing in a separate household
• Engaging in outdoor exercise and physical activities to get in some fresh air and rejuvenate yourself including walking, jogging, golfing etc. Just ensure to avoid crowded places and stick to the area in the close perimeter of your home
• Indulging in volunteering work in the essential functions
• Engaging in other essential activities including court hearings and protected activities like speech and religion speeches and the similar ones. Just ensure to practice social distancing in such scenarios

In this time of crisis when the entire world is suffering, it is everyone’s social responsibility to do their part to limit the spread of this novel coronavirus. Practice safe hygiene and follow through the instructions imposed by the government till the crisis subsides.

By Somapika Dutta