What Ducey didn’t say about restart

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey had plenty to say about reopening during a May 12 news conference.

But perhaps more interesting is what he didn’t say ... on camera, at least.

The governor noted during his remarks that gyms and public pools would be reopening on May 13, and that major league sports would be free to resume without fans (not that any of them would) on May 15.

He emphasized that vulnerable folks – those 65 and over, and those with underlying health conditions – should continue to stay home, and that everyone else should continue to physically distance.

“Now, this is not a green light to speed,” he said. “This is a green light to proceed, and we’re going to proceed with caution.”

But Ducey did not mention some key points in the materials that were released once the news conference was over.

His office issued guidance for places of worship as they resume services, for example. The previous stay-at-home order considered religious services as essential, which means they have always been free to meet. But many churches, mosques and synagogues have chosen to suspend in-person services.

Now that some are contemplating reopening, the guidance includes:

❚ Spacing households at least six feet apart, or possibly seating them in every other row.

❚ Adding additional services and limiting attendance at each.

❚ Encouraging the use of face coverings.

❚ Limiting choirs or large musical groups, and spacing musicians six feet apart.

❚ Limiting sharing of hymnals, bulletins, offering bags or communion.

❚ Ensuring all food is individually wrapped – no buffets or potlucks.

Ducey also did not detail a few key provisions in his new “Stay Healthy, Return Smarter, Return Stronger” order, which rescinded his previous stay-athome order, as well as requirements that travelers from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut self-isolate for 14 days after arrival (he didn’t explain why).

Among the new executive order’s provisions: “Any business, whether forprofit or non-profit, institution, profession or entity that physically operates in this state and serves the public or is an employer shall develop, establish and implement policies based on guidance from the CDC, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration

(OSHA) and ADHS to limit and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”

“Shall” is the key word here. It’s not just suggested. If you’re a business or employer, you’re supposed to make a plan that includes: ❚ increased cleaning, ❚ monitoring for sickness, ❚ physical distancing, ❚ appropriate protective equipment, and – this one is particularly important –

❚ “limiting the congregation of groups of no more than 10 persons when feasible and in relation to the size of the location.”

In other words, if you are open and serve the public, you should try to keep people from congregating, particularly in groups of 10 or more. That’s consistent with the White House guidelines for states in Phase 1 of reopening, which the governor stressed that Arizona has reached.

So, why not mention the number? It’s a good rule of thumb for businesses and individuals to keep in mind.

Granted, these provisions raise an important question: “And if I don’t, what happens?”

The executive order offers interesting guidance there, too. It prohibits cities or counties from creating additional restrictions on residents and businesses. They can’t step in and say, “You know what? We don’t think pools are ready to reopen yet, so we’ll pass an order keeping them closed.”

It also notes that law enforcement and regulatory agencies should focus on educating people who ignore these provisions and be given a chance to comply before any enforcement occurs.

I’m not sure why Ducey didn’t go into this detail, particularly when reporters peppered him with questions about enforcement – though, to be fair, Ducey did say he was glad Tempe officers took a light touch with a packed restaurant. In response to another question, Ducey said he hoped positive peer pressure would ensure that people continue to physically distance (or stay home if you’re in a high-risk category).

Granted, the governor can’t win. He has been villainized by those who think we’re reopening too slowly and by those who think all of this is too fast. Too many are reading into his moves, as if he had the worst intentions all along.

I don’t believe that, and I’m inclined to offer him some grace in these times. We are facing a pandemic that changes constantly, where you can make what seems like the right decision one day and second-guess it the next.

I point out what was missing from his news conference simply because there are a lot of gray areas as we reopen. The clearer we can be about the details, the better.