Hundreds of VIP clergy and leaders, through a petition with our statewide network, the Arizona Interfaith Network, called on Governor Ducey to extend the Stay-at-Home order, due to expire on April 30.
The Governor announced on April 29 that Arizona will continue under the Executive Order, with gradual loosening of the current restrictions over the next weeks. Clergy representatives of AIN have responded with a statement of cautious approval.
Links to reporting on the AIN petition and response: Religious Leaders Urge Ducey To Extend Stay-At-Home Order, KJZZ. 4/28/20 Ducey extends stay-at-home order through May 15 but eases some restrictions on businesses, The Arizona Republic, 4/29/20 |
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Read the Full AIN Response Here:
AIN Statement:
Arizona Interfaith Network Applauds Continuation of State Order
April 29, 2020
The Arizona Interfaith Network (AIN) applauds Governor Ducey’s decision this afternoon to continue the Stay-at-Home order. We understand there have been enormous pressures surrounding today’s announcement but feel hopeful that the Governor’s announcement prioritizes the health and well-being of Arizonans.
Even as the state proceeds slowly and strategically, we urge caution over the next weeks. May 15 could very well be a premature re-opening of the state, but we appreciate that the state will proceed cautiously and in accord with CDC guidelines. We could face a disastrous rebound of the Covid-19 crisis if we are not careful and vigilant. This is no time for false optimism. There is only one path to safety and that is an escalation of testing capacity.
Today’s announcement demonstrates that Arizona is doing its part to seriously control the virus outbreak, and it is time for the federal government to do its part. Congress must reconvene promptly to continue support for those who are sacrificing for the well-being of the rest of us. It must ensure that adequate resources are available for small business lending, ongoing relief for those unemployed and furloughed, and support to states and cities which will bear the brunt of revenue shortfalls.
Throughout this recovery, we at Arizona Interfaith Network will continue to work with those who are being overlooked in relief and recovery: Essential workers, including healthcare workers and first responders, and also those, such as grocery workers, who are laboring without sufficient safety equipment; the undocumented; senior citizens in assisted living and nursing homes and those who provide care for them; the incarcerated; and the homeless.
We are living in unprecedented and challenging times, and we must all make sure that those who are making the largest sacrifices are not left behind.
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