US states reinstall rules amid Covid resurgence

US STATES have reversed reopenings and gone back into lockdown as coronavirus cases increased.

Arizona’s Republican governor shut down bars, cinemas, gyms and water parks on Monday amid the resurgence.

Some had reopened in mid-May as business closure orders expired.

Governor Doug Ducey’s 30-day order went into effect immediately. Schools were also told to delay restarting classes until at least August 17.

It came as health officials reported 3,8 8 more Covid-19 cases in the state on Sunday – the most reported in a single day so far and the seventh time in ten days cases passed 3,000. ‘Our expectation is that our numbers next week will be worse,’ Mr Ducey said.

Texas, Florida and California have also backtracked by reclosing bars and beaches. And New Jersey governor Phil Murphy announced he was postponing restarting indoor dining as many people had not been wearing face masks or social distancing.

In Texas, a group of bar owners sued in a bid to overturn governor Greg Abbott’s order closing businesses.

‘Governor Abbott continues to act like a king,’ said Jared Woodfill, who represents the group – adding he ‘is trampling on our constitutional rights’.

Meanwhile, several states, including Oregon and Kansas, ordered residents to wear masks in public in a dramatic policy reversal. Among those with new face-covering rules is the city of Jacksonville, Florida, where Donald Trump plans to accept the Republican presidential nomination in August.

It came less than a week after mayor Lenny Curry said there would be no mask requirement.

The US president has previously refused to wear a mask during visits to states that require them.

But New York governor Andrew Cuomo said Mr Trump should make face coverings compulsory. ‘Let the president lead by example,’ he added.