Update: This week Gov. Doug Ducey issued an executive order for bars to shut down until July 27th; however, the option to dine in at restaurants is still allowed to continue. 
This is concerning as it is impossible to wear a mask and eat. Research shows that speaking increases the spread of the virus. Most people who chose to dine in at a restaurant bring others along. Socializing and eating, compounded with the lack of a mask, pose a serious threat of spreading the virus to all patrons in the restaurant as well as the restaurant staff.
States such as New York and New Jersey have already halted or delayed dine in service at restaurants. 
Today (July 1) Arizona reported another record breaking day with 4878 new positive cases. We must urge Governor Ducey to stop dine in service for restaurants. We must act now or we will have very little chance of controlling the spread of COVID-19.

Arizona is experiencing record numbers of positive COVID 19 cases. Last week health officials reported another new single-day record of 3,858 new coronavirus cases Sunday morning. Confirmed cases went up to 73,908.  Since June 2, the percentage has spiked back up from 5.7% to 9.6%.

Our hospitals are getting closer to capacity everyday. Arizona health officials also reported the state's highest incidence of hospitalizations related to the novel virus on Sunday, with 2,691 current admissions. 

Numerous bars and restaurants have been seen packed with unmasked patrons, not socially distancing. It is impossible to eat in a restaurant and not wear a mask. Intoxicated people mingling at bars are more likely to act recklessly (failing to wear or removing their face mask, touching their faces, not abiding to hand hygiene or socially distancing guidelines).

Last Thursday Gov. Doug Ducey issued a warning, urging Arizonans to take more steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including staying home except when necessary and wearing face masks in public. Eating out and congregating at bars are luxuries. These activities are absolutely not necessary during a pandemic, especially as COVID 19 cases continue to hit record breaking numbers in Arizona. Encouraging Arizonans to act responsibly is not enough. This has been clearly demonstrated time and time again. People have continued to fill bars and restaurants, failing to comply with the most basic precautions such as wearing a mask and socially distancing. Arizona needs to take strong and swift actions to slow the spread of this virus and take control this outbreak. Closing bars and banning dine in services for restaurants would help Arizona slow the spread without significantly straining the economy. Carry out meals (or delivery) are a much safer option for people who want to enjoy and support their favorite local restaurants. If we don’t take strong actions now, hospitals will continue to be strained and face the very real threat of exceeding capacity. 

The coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms; however, it poses risk for serious illness (and even death) in people who are older or have underlying health conditions. I am one of those people and I work in a healthcare facility that treats cancer patients. COVID 19 poses a very real threat to myself and the patients I serve. 

Sign this petition to let Gov. Doug Ducey you care about the vulnerable people in your community who are at the most at risk for experiencing devastating consequences of this virus. Bars and dine in restaurants are luxuries that are absolutely not essential during this very serious pandemic. Tell Gov. Doug Ducey we care about the health of our community and demand an executive order to shut down bars and ban dine in services for restaurants during the COVID 19 pandemic.