A set of temporary health-code  for restaurants and other facilities for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic has been approved by the Pima County Board of Supervisors.
Expanding on Gov. Doug Ducey’s recommendations for businesses, the protective measures are intended to protect employees and customers even as the state’s stay-at-home order lifts.
The county was seeing improvements in the number of people impacted by the virus, but steps must continue to be taken to reduce the spread, including the enforcement of these safety measures, Pima County’s Chief Medical Officer Fransisco Garcia told supervisors Wednesday during an emergency meeting.
Garcia said he visited a local restaurant earlier this week to see how they were dealing with the guidelines and that this particular operator was going above and beyond what they were being asked to do by the county.
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“To me, what that says is that these things can be brought into an operational setting without causing too much stress,†Garcia said. “At the end of the day, part of the reason for these guidelines is to reassure the public that someone is thinking about their risk and doing something affirmative to mitigate that.â€
For restaurants and bars, this means that facilities must limit their indoor occupancy to 50% or lower, keep a minimum of 6 feet between tables and that dine-in services only be allowed if a party calls ahead first, among other things. With a temporary change in zoning requirements, restaurants will be allowed to expand their outdoor capacity .
For places such as pools, fitness centers and other attractions, the guidelines are similar. Under the regulations, indoor occupancy at these facilities will also be limited to 50% capacity unless 6-foot physical distancing standards can be achieved with higher occupancy. There must also be proper distancing between equipment, chairs, tables or desks, in addition to other regulations.
All facilities would also be required to take precautions such as daily wellness and symptoms checks, frequent hand-washing and all employees being equipped with cloth masks and gloves. Servers will not be required to wear gloves as long as the operator can document that the servers hands are sanitized between servings. In addition, all facilities will need to post their cleaning logs online to document the cleaning of public areas.
Republican Supervisors Steve Christy and Ally Miller voted against the regulations, citing inconsistencies in requirements for different businesses and not allowing them to operate under the state’s guidelines before adding more regulations.
“Restaurants and now other industries have suffered terribly and have been devastated for many weeks now. Finally, they are open by the governor, and in Pima County, the first thing that hits these suffering businesses are a series of burdensome regulations and the threat of fines,†Christy said. “Does this say that Pima County is open for business?â€
Civil penalties will be issued for those who do not adhere to the regulations. The first two violations will consist of written warnings and the opportunity to correct the issue. The third and subsequent violations will result in a $500 fine. Those who do comply will be awarded a badge that they can display both digitally and physically “to provide a visible symbol of the commitment to the community’s health and well-being.â€
Both Christy and Miller also discussed their concerns that restaurant workers would be required to “become police forces and medical experts†by performing temperature checks, not just personnel, but for any vendors, contractors and third-party delivery service workers as well, and turning away any patrons who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19.
In the end, the board made an amendment to the motion, clarifying that temperature checks at these facilities, beyond just employees, would be required only when possible. The meeting concluded in a 3-2 vote.
“We’re not doing this against the governor’s order. It is in compliance with the governor’s order and making sure that our community is safer, or as safe as possible. The virus is not gone,†said Supervisor Ramón Valadez. “The only thing that has kept the virus trending down, is that we have been careful as a community. None of us wanted to deal with COVID-19. But the truth is, we have a responsibility.â€
Photos for May 13: ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during Coronavirus Pandemic
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

The venerable T-Rex outside the McDonald's at Grant and Tanque Verde comes around late, but strong, to the mask game, May 13, 2020, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Greg Madril, director of Pascua Yaqui Workforce Development, loads a van up with boxes of food to be taken to homes of elders on the reservation who have isolated themselves during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, on May 8, 2020.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Abigail Pauley (center) and Carmen Solis (right) deliver food to the homes of elders on Pascua Yaqui Reservation who have isolated themselves during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, on May 8, 2020.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Catalina Foothills High School graduates throw their hats in the air as they are videoed on the stage on the football field at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 11, 2020. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Catalina Foothills High School is videoing all 415 graduates individually over three days crossing the stage with their diploma cover. Small groups of graduates are escorted toward the stage and stand next to cones set apart for social distancing. After video and still pictures, graduates are given a t-shirt as they leave. "Its an amazing amount of work and planning, but our grads are worth it," said Julie Farbarik, director of Alumni and Community Relations at Catalina Foothills School District.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Graduates follow directions as they are filmed cross the stage at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 11, 2020. Due to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and graduations being canceled, Catalina Foothills High School, set across three days, is filming all 415 graduates as they cross the stage with a their diploma cover. Small groups of graduates are escorted toward the stage and stand next to cones set apart for social distancing. After filming and taking pictures, graduates are given a t-shirt as they leave. "Its an amazing amount of work and planning, but our grads are worth it," said Julie Farbarik, director of Alumni and Community Relations at Catalina Foothills High School.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Catalina Foothills High School senior Maura Benesch grabs hand sanitizer before picking up her diploma cover at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 11, 2020. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Catalina Foothills High School is videoing all 415 graduates individually over three days crossing the stage with their diploma cover. Small groups of graduates are escorted toward the stage and stand next to cones set apart for social distancing. After video and still pictures, graduates are given a t-shirt as they leave. "Its an amazing amount of work and planning, but our grads are worth it," said Julie Farbarik, director of Alumni and Community Relations at Catalina Foothills School District.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Senior students follow directions as they are videoed crossing the stage on the football field at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 11, 2020. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Catalina Foothills High School is videoing all 415 graduates individually over three days crossing the stage with their diploma cover. Small groups of graduates are escorted toward the stage and stand next to cones set apart for social distancing. After video and still pictures, graduates are given a t-shirt as they leave. "Its an amazing amount of work and planning, but our grads are worth it," said Julie Farbarik, director of Alumni and Community Relations at Catalina Foothills School District.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

A fully suited worker, part of a crew from ServiceMaster, gestures out the door to a teammate while sanitizing the Little Cesars at 1201 W. St. Mary's, May 9, 2020, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Owner Michael Elefante cleans the pasta bar at Mama Louisa’s, 2041 S. Craycroft Road. Local restaurants and bars must limit their indoor occupancy to no more than 50%.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Lunchtime is normally standing room only at R&R Pizza Express, 13,905 N. Sandario Road, Marana. But it was sparsely attended on May 11, 2020, as the state allowed restaurants to re-open their dining rooms. Owner Linda Molitor carefully spaced tables to maintain social distancing for dining-in.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Owner Linda Molitor wipes down one of four tables available for dining-in at R&R Pizza Express, 13,905 N. Sandario Road, Marana, on May 11, 2020.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Suzanne Elefante, center, office manager, teaches Breanna Jirschele, employee, a discount at the register at Mama Louisa's, 2041 S. Craycroft Rd., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 11, 2020.Â
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Debra Roff, left, employee, keeps her distance as she takes a families order at Coyote Pause Café, 2740 S. Kinney Rd., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 11, 2020. Restaurants reopened on Monday after Gov. Doug Ducey allowed restaurants to open and the Pima County Health Department issued a list of protective measures in response to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). Coyote Pause Café has decreased their seating to less than 50% to allow for social distancing along with signage about COVID-19 and social distancing. There are sneeze-guards, made by the employees, at the counter tops. There are also small trash bags placed at every table for customers to place their trash allowing employees to decrease the amount of items they touch.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Leo Kresch, left, and Drew Burk, employees from Downtown Kitchen and Cocktails prepare to-go meals at The Carriage House, 135 S. Sixth Ave., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 12, 2020. Janos Wilder, owner of The Carriage House and Downtown Kitchen and Cocktails, received a donation to help prepare 1,400 meals for ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center employees. The meal includes two entrees and a desert.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Devon Sanner, executive chef at The Carriage House and Downtown Kitchen and Cocktails, places Thai Green Vegetable Curry on top of rice in to-go meals at The Carriage House, 135 S. Sixth Ave., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 12, 2020. Janos Wilder, owner of The Carriage House and Downtown Kitchen and Cocktails, received a donation to help prepare 1,400 meals for ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center employees. The meal includes two entrees and a desert.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

A group of finished to-go meals remain on top of the counter while employees from Downtown Kitchen and Cocktails create more to-go meals at The Carriage House, 135 S. Sixth Ave., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 12, 2020. Janos Wilder, owner of The Carriage House and Downtown Kitchen and Cocktails, received a donation to help prepare 1,400 meals for ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center employees. The meal includes two entrees and a desert.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Rachel Tineo, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Strength ambassador, wipes down equipment at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Strength, 6130 E. Speedway Blvd., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 13, 2020. ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Strength has modified aspects of their gym to fit the coronavirus pandemic. Equipment is spaced out to allow for social distancing and equipment is being cleaned after every use by members as well as employees.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Diana Sestiaga, a manager at DSW, talks with a customer at the store located at 7191 E. Broadway, on May 12, 2020.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

A customer orders a meal during Cucusa's Caribbean Cuisine grand opening at the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ International Business Center, on May 12, 2020.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Bartender Katelyn Williams confirms an order from Briante Brown after he checked the offerings from a photo on her phone while doing sidewalk service at John Henry's bar, May 6, 2020, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

A bench decorated with a thank you to healthcare workers and first responders in the front yard of a home off N Tortolita Road, on May 6, 2020.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Frank Marini flashes a heart symbol to the staff at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Medical Center in May. The number of hospital beds available in Pima County hasn’t fluctuated much over the last month.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Recovered Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) patient Larry Delf, retired ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ paramedic and St. Mary's Hospital EMT, waves to family members, friends, nurses, doctors, hospital staff and ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Fire Department as they celebrate Delf's recovery at Carondelet St. Mary's Hospital 1601 W. Saint Mary's Rd., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 7, 2020. After a month of hospitalization, Delf is being transferred to a long-term acute care facility.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

While waiting for recovered Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) patient Larry Delf, retired ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ paramedic and St. Mary's Hospital EMT, Chevelle Baker, center, granddaughter, holds up a sign with Family members, friends, nurses, doctors and hospital staff to celebrate Delf's recovery at Carondelet St. Mary's Hospital 1601 W. Saint Mary's Rd., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 7, 2020. After a month of hospitalization, Delf is being transferred to a long-term acute care facility.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

David Sounart, vice-president of manufacturing, removes the molds from a batch of Twin Peaks mugs, mugs the company made for the TV series, as HF Coors begins to return to production, May 8, 2020, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Esmeralda Islava works with client Caroline Stelmach at Bellaza Beauty Bar located at 1951 W Grant Road #110 during their first day reopened since non-essential businesses began closing due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), on May 8, 2020. "Its weird that there are fewer people but it feels [safer]," Stelmach said about the precautionary changes.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Melanie has her temperature checked before her manicure appointment at Bellaza Beauty Bar located at 1951 W Grant Road #110 during their first day reopened since non-essential businesses began closing due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), on May 8, 2020. When asked what it is like coming back to the salon since the virus Melanie responded "It's different for sure. Having to sign a waiver and get your temperature checked."
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Stylist Rahnay Curtis with mask on while cutting hair at CDO Barbershop on May 8, 2020, in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Owner Jennifer Ball cuts Carl Arnal's hair at CDO Barbershop on May 8, 2020, in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. Arnal said, "I cheated a little on March 7. My son is a barber." He added, "I started panicking when they talked about (reopening) in the middle of May." When he said down in the chair for a cut, he said, "I will definitely enjoy this one."
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Josh and Meghan Leunen share their helping of lava cake from the bed of their truck while cars still file into the lots at the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Dragway Drive-In Theater Powered by Griffith Automotive Repair & Restoration's showing of Pixar's Cars, May 8, 2020, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Isaiah Valdez peers out from the trunk of his car, with two stout table legs providing extra support of the hood, before the start of the night's showing of Cars at the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Dragway Drive-In Theater Powered by Griffith Automotive Repair & Restoration, May 8, 2020, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Family members practice social distancing while celebrating mothers day at Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Rd., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., on May 10, 2020.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Wright Elementary School teacher Sheree Garcia packs up leftover items in students' desks for them to pick up, on May 8, 2020.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Wright Elementary School teacher Sheree Garcia elbow bumps her student Francisco Cruz Silva, 8, as she drops off a computer for him at his family's home, on May 8, 2020.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Sarah Hemzawi, in Raleigh, N.C., gets to attend the evening meal of her parents Ziad Hemzawi and Raina Kanawati, part of their Ramadan ceremonies at their home, May 7, 2020, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Rania Kanawati prays in her living room, part of the adapting to the closing of the local mosques due to COVID19 restrictions, May 7, 2020, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ gets by during coronavirus pandemic

Owner Jesus Bonillas measures the distance between tables at the American Eat Co. Small businesses can apply for no-interest loans through the city until Tuesday, May 26.