Sun Devil Fitness Complex locations on all campuses will not open Wednesday with other gyms and pools around the state, a University official said after Gov. Doug Ducey announced they could with appropriate social distancing and sanitization protocols in place.
"We will look at the guidance, consult with local health officials, make sure we are prepared to adhere to guidance and look at a timeline," the official said in a text message.
At a press conference Tuesday, a day after restaurants were allowed to open, Ducey announced gyms, pools and spas could reopen as early as May 13.
Ducey's stay-at-home order will continue through the rest of the week, expiring Friday, as the state continues to culminate data, indicating it meets requirements set by the White House to reopen.
An executive order, taking effect once the stay-at-home order expires, asks Arizonans to continue social distancing when they can, but provided no details on who would enforce the rule.
The order says the state will expand testing availability and frequency, continue documenting data, implement a statewide contact tracing plan and provide public health guidance.
Ducey thanked Arizonans at the broadcasted press conference, for their cooperation with his many executive orders over the past months, calling this week's announcement a "green light to proceed with caution."
He previously extended his stay-at-home order, resulting in a number of re-opening protests where social distancing was not practiced. As restaurants opened Monday, bars on Mill Avenue appeared to be at full capacity.
According to the White House's guidelines, as soon as states begin to see a decrease in reported symptoms, tests with positive results and an increase in hospital capacity, they are allowed to slowly open businesses and hold social gatherings following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Ducey displayed a familiar presentation Tuesday, showing a decrease in reported symptoms, positive cases and an increase in hospital capacity, data he says allows the state to take the next step.
As of May 12, the Arizona Department of Health Services reported 11,736 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 562 deaths across all 15 counties.
Dr. Cara Christ, director of the ADHS, said at the press conference that she isn't sure if the state has peaked in the number of cases.
"We do know that we did slow the spread and we’ll continue to monitor to see if we do get increased cases," Christ said.
In addition to opening gyms and pools, Ducey announced a plan Tuesday to test all staff and residents in long-term care facilities with the help of private labs. Using antibody testing with UA, Ducey said correctional officers will receive tests as well.
While states like Arizona are setting dates for when businesses can reopen, health experts, like Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, say there could be real consequences for communities opening before a two week period of easing off restrictions.
Reach the reporter at pjhanse1@asu.edu and follow @piperjhansen on Twitter.
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Piper Hansen is the digital editor-in-chief at The State Press, overseeing all digital content. Joining SP in Spring 2020, she has covered student government, housing and COVID-19. She has previously written about state politics for The Arizona Republic and the Arizona Capitol Times and covers social justice for Cronkite News.
