Phoenix Coronavirus: AZ Not Ready To Reopen By May 1, Mayor Says

PHOENIX, AZ—As Gov. Doug Ducey's stay home order remains in effect through April 30, it remains unclear if the state will, in fact, reopen by May 1. If you ask Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, the state just won't be ready in ten days.

"Currently, Arizona is not meeting the criteria to proceed with a May 1 reopening. In order for us to meet these metrics, we need more widespread testing, including asymptomatic individuals, and a more robust contact-tracing program," she said in a series of tweets recently.

Meanwhile, there is a growing online movement for life to get back to normal as soon as possible. The Arizona Facebook Group, Great 48, has more than 5,000. Members are calling for a May 1 reopening.

"We believe that ALL businesses are essential and we are seeking to compassionately influence the local guidelines and procedures that affect our businesses, places of work and communities," reads a post by the group.

As the virus continues to create job loss and financial uncertainty for many Arizona residents, Gallego believes that reopening the economy too soon is more disastrous than actually waiting. However, she said she understands how the closures are hurting employers and workers.

"Every day that our economy must stay closed to protect public health is another blow to our business community. As we work to meet reopening metrics, businesses will require continued and expanded assistance," she said.

As of Monday, more than 5,000 people have tested posted for the coronavirus in Arizona and 187 have died from COVID-19. To further combat the virus, the mayor said she wants congress to make federal support available to local governments. She's also asking for more funds for the Paycheck Protection Act (PPP) to help small businesses stay afloat.

"Many could not access funds through their traditional bank or did not have an existing bank relationship, she said. "The U.S. Small Business Administration released a revised lender list. Fifteen in Arizona are taking new customers."

On Twitter, the mayor said the White House released guidelines for reopening the economy. She believes they should be followed in Arizona. Some of those guidelines involve gateway criteria laid out in a tiered approach, such as:

• Downward trajectory of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) reported within a 14-day period
• Downward trajectory of covid-like syndromic cases reported within a 14-day period
• Robust testing program in place for at-risk healthcare workers, including emerging antibody testing

For now, Gov. Ducey hasn't said if the stay home order will go past May 1. It's remains the million dollar question.

“It’s too early right now for me to say that there’s something magical about May 1. Of course, I’m hopeful. I want to be aspirational on this," Ducey told 12 News Phoenix.