See a COVID violation? Health departments want to know

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey uses hand sanitizer before updating reporters on COVID-19 in the state June 29, 2020, in Phoenix. The governor expects that Arizonans will need to continue to wear masks through at least the end of the year. (Michael Chow/The Arizona Republic via AP, Pool)

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey uses hand sanitizer before updating reporters on COVID-19 in the state June 29, 2020, in Phoenix. The governor expects that Arizonans will need to continue to wear masks through at least the end of the year. (Michael Chow/The Arizona Republic via AP, Pool)

State health officials are looking to Arizonans to snitch on businesses that aren’t complying with safe operating procedures.

The request Wednesday, Aug. 26, comes as several Arizona counties are expected to reach the point on Thursday that previously closed businesses can again welcome customers; Yavapai County achieved that last week.

But those new permissions come with restrictions on everything from who has to wear a mask to how many patrons can be allowed in at any one time. And so now the Department of Health Services wants anyone who sees an errant business to contact that agency or other state or local officials.

Spokesman Steve Elliott said his agency is contracting with most local public health departments to investigate complaints and enforce the requirements of the various executive orders issued by Gov. Doug Ducey. For counties that don’t contract with the state, health inspectors themselves will go out to take a look.

Those inquiries, he said, will involve not only observation of how a business is operating but also interviews with customers and employees.

Elliott said there’s a role for the public as well.

“If you believe a business isn’t following these requirements, which were established for the safety of customers, employees and the broader public, ADHS encourages you to share your concerns so local and state officials can follow up as needed,” he said.

Those complaints, Elliott said, can be filed directly with local law enforcement, county health departments, his agency (ADHS) and, in the case of bars and restaurants with liquor licenses, with the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control.

Until now, most Arizona counties have been classified as having a “substantial” risk of the spread of COVID-19. That kept many businesses shuttered.

On Thursday the state’s largest counties and a few others were expected to move into the “moderate” category; Yavapai was “moderate,” along with Apache County, at the end of last week.

That means big changes.

For example, some places licensed as bars will be able to open their doors. But that will be only at 50% occupancy, and only if they convert to what the state calls “restaurant service,” meaning people remaining seated at their tables with no mingling.

Dancing is definitely out.

Gyms and fitness centers also can reopen, but at 25% capacity, with requirements that people be separated by at least six feet. Guests also will have their temperatures checked at the door, or at least screened for symptoms.

And forget about just showing up for Pilates and Zumba classes, with a new requirement for online or phone pre-booking to limit the number of guests.

Indoor theaters will be limited to 50%, with space not only between parties in the same row but also leaving alternate rows empty. There also will need to be access to either soap and water for handwashing or alcohol-based sanitizer throughout the facility.

There’s a similar requirement for water parks and tubing operations, along with encouraging or requiring patrons to bring their own towels.

And in all cases, face masks are required except while eating, drinking or actually being in the water.

WATCHDOG

The Yavapai County Community Health Services hotline is 928-442-5103, Monday through Thursday during regular business hours; people may also call the county Environmental Health Office at 928-442-5510, Monday through Friday during regular business hours.

Leslie Horton, director of YCCHS, said Prescott-area businesses have been very cooperative in complying. Once the county receives a report, they investigate and educate.

The Daily Courier contributed to this article.


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