Governor Doug Ducey and the Arizona Department of Health Services today released additional guidelines as retail businesses resume partial operations starting next week. The recommendations for businesses opening include enhanced sanitation and physical distancing steps customers and business owners should take to facilitate increased business interactions while minimizing the risk of COVID-19.

“As we breathe life back into our businesses, we want to make sure we’re taking common-sense precautions to keep employees and customers safe,” said Governor Ducey. “Taking these responsible steps that prioritize public health will help grow confidence and ensure we don’t just reopen all businesses, but do it successfully. I’m grateful to all the business owners and employees putting safety first and providing their feedback as we take continued steps to reenergize Arizona’s economy.”

Under an Executive Order signed Wednesday, starting Monday, May 4, retail businesses can sell goods through delivery service, window service, walk-up service, drive-through service, drive-up service, curbside delivery or appointment provided they establish and implement sanitation and physical distancing measures. On Friday, May 8, businesses can resume partial openings that incorporate social distancing and sanitation measures established by the United States Department of Labor or the Arizona Department of Health Services.

In addition, the Governor announced this week a goal to resume dine-in services at restaurants in May. Additional guidance will be developed in coordination with public health officials and will be provided in the days ahead.

Arizona guidelines for businesses opening

FOR CUSTOMERS: Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, under all circumstances, the following precautions should be followed if patronizing businesses opening:

• Stay home if sick

• Order online or use curbside pickup if possible

• Protect yourself while shopping

• Stay at least 6 feet away from others while shopping and in lines.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering when you have to go out in public.

• When you do have to visit in person, go during hours when fewer people will be there (for example, early morning or late night).

• If you are at higher risk for severe illness, find out if the store has special hours for people at higher risk. If they do, try to shop during those hours. People at higher risk for severe illness include adults 65 or older and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions.

• Disinfect the shopping cart, use disinfecting wipes if available.

• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.

• If possible, use touchless payment (pay without touching money, a card, or a keypad). If you must handle money, a card, or use a keypad, use hand sanitizer right after paying.

• After leaving the store, use hand sanitizer. When you get home, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

FOR BUSINESSES: The Department of Health Services recommends the following additional steps be taken by retail establishments for businesses opening:

• Maintaining physical distancing.

• Operating with reduced occupancy and capacity based on the size of the business location with special attention to limiting areas where customers and employees can congregate.

• Implementing comprehensive sanitation protocols.

• Continuing to provide options for delivery or curbside service even if a location allows customers inside the store.

• Closing fitting rooms at clothing stores, meeting rooms or other enclosed spaces accessible to customers that do not allow for appropriate physical distancing.

• Implementing symptom screening for employees prior to the start of their shift.

• Considering offering cloth face coverings to employees and visitors to wear.

NOTE: Complete list of Arizona retail guidelines can be found HERE.