Governor Doug Ducey last month lifted all Covid-19 restrictions on restaurants, bars and other businesses. But that doesn’t mean that dining and drinking establishments are taking off their masks and packing in crowds. 

Far from it, said the president and CEO of the (ARA), Steve Chucri.

“Restaurants across Arizona have done an incredible job at implementing mitigation measures, protecting patrons and staff, and remaining flexible,” Chucri said. “Our restaurants know what to do and they’re first priority is keeping employees and diners safe.”

Federal guidelines also require employers take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, he said.

To discourage bad players, the association is working to educate operators about federal health and safety guidelines, help get hospitality employees vaccinated, and assist employers with obtaining grants and aid to help pay for supplies like personal protective equipment. 

Under federal guidelines, employer’s duty to prevent spread of COVID-19

Governor Ducey’s order lifted restaurant specific requirements such as social distancing and buffet prohibitions. It also eliminated mask mandates. 

Employers, however, should be aware of their obligation under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), Chucri said. Under the act’s guidelines, employers must protect employees from COVID-19 hazards at the workplace. That includes providing masks, social distancing, and enhanced sanitation protocols. 

OSHA also recently updated its guidance on COVID-19 and is in the process of developing additional standards for employers. Before revising a mask policy for employees or customers, operators should consider the OSHA guidelines, Chucri said. 

“While we do not have specific examples of how OSHA will enforce these provisions in restaurants, we do know that the restaurant industry is high on the agency’s priority list.” 

Before making any changes, Chucri recommends that operators review the OSHA guidance document: .

Encouraging Arizonans to get out of the kitchen

With more than 4 million Arizonans having received at least one dose of vaccine, business is picking up at bars and restaurants statewide. The association, chambers of commerce and restaurant owners are encouraging  Arizonans to get out of the kitchen and head to their favorite restaurant or night spot, even if just for takeout. 

“Most edible time of the year” – Spring Restaurant Week

One way to start is to dine in or take out during 2021 Spring Restaurant Week Friday May 21 to Sunday May 30. This annual statewide event takes diners on a taste tour. Eateries offer a prix-fixe dinner menu for $33 or $44 per person or per couple. 

Restaurants already on board this year are Elements at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort, T. Cook’s at Royal Palms Resort & Spa, Citizen Public House and The Gladly, and more. There are also West Valley restaurants, like Litchfield’s and Red’s Bar and Grill at The Wigwam, plus Urban Margarita and Arrowhead Grill. Other participants include Buck &Rider and Pedal Haus Brewery, according to the , a sponsor of the event. Currently, restaurants can still sign . For diners, a list of participating restaurants and menus will be posted soon at . 

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As Covid-19 vaccines are now rolling out across Arizona, state and business leaders are calling on employees and employers to get Covid-19 vaccinations. They also are asking everyone to continue to take safety precautions, at least until vaccine supply exceeds demand. 

For more than two months, Arizona has seen low infection rates, low hospitalizations and a high rate of vaccinations, prompting Gov. Doug Ducey last week to lift all restrictions on businesses. 

Reports of rising cases in other states are reason enough to continue to remain diligent here, said Garrick Taylor, interim president and CEO of the Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ of Commerce & Industry. 

“Our state has come so far in reducing the spread of the virus and administering millions of vaccines. We don’t want to lose that momentum,” Taylor said.

Keeping the momentum going 

A large percentage of businesses are continuing to mandate masks and follow sanitary procedures to keep customers and employees safe, Taylor said.

Most grocery stores announced they are keeping mask mandates in place. Trade associations like the Arizona Tourism and Lodging Association are asking members and travelers to keep safety precautions in place. Meanwhile, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and other airports continue to be under federal mandate to require travelers and employees and all district and charter K-12 schools are still under to wear masks. 

Essential employees are being vaccinated by level of risk 

Essential employees of any age can now get vaccinated statewide and the state has also opened up vaccines to individuals 16 and older.

Frontline and essential employees will continue to remain at the top of the priority list and are being vaccinated in order of highest risk for exposure. The order for vaccinations for essential employees is: 

â–  Grocery store, convenience store, and carniceria workers

â–  U.S. Postal Service

â–  Manufacturing workers

â–  Public transit workers, including buses, light rail, Uber, Lyft, taxis, and rideshare

â–  State and local government workers

â–  Funeral home workers

More than 3 million people in Arizona vaccinated 

More than 3 million people have been vaccinated with at least one dose in Arizona. Those most at risk of becoming seriously ill, particularly the elderly, are largely vaccinated, removing the biggest concern. Hospitals and ICU units have space for Covid and other patients, according to the state Department of Health Services (DHS). 

Business restrictions lifted 

With Arizona’s lower infection rates and plenty of space in healthcare facilities, Gov. Ducey and other mandates on businesses last week. 

The state is recommending the continued use of masks and other precautions.  Businesses can require customers to wear masks and can refuse service to anyone who refuses to comply.

Arizona’s top public health official, AZ DHS Director Dr. Cara Christ, also recommends citizens continue to mask up, social distance and wash their hands frequently even if they are vaccinated. 

There are still unknowns as the virus progresses and new variants enter the state. In a statement released Friday, the DHS reports that the South African variant, which spreads at a faster rate, has been detected in the state and current vaccines for Covid-19 “appear to be effective against it.”  

How to get a vaccine 

Information about all vaccination sites across Arizona can be found at . Those without computer access or needing extra help registering can call 1-844-542-8201 to be connected with someone who can assist. 
For up-to-date information on vaccines administered and vaccination rate per 100,000 see .

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