 Supervisors impose mandatory 10 p.m. - 5 a.m. curfew to help stop COVID spread
CORRECTION: The current rate of COVID-19 transmission in Pima County as shown on the state Health Department's data dashboard is incorrect. The rate of transmission for the two-week period ending Nov 29 is 357 cases per 100,000. (The 5,192/100,000 as stated in the earlier press release was taken from the state's dashboard.) The new rate of transmission for the two-week period ending Dec. 13 is expected to be significantly higher than the preceding period, according to Pima County Health Director Dr. Theresa Cullen.
The Pima County Board of Supervisors Dec. 15 voted 3-2 to impose a mandatory 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew throughout Pima County in an effort to stop the soaring rate of COVID-19 infections in Pima County.
Since the Board of Supervisors asked County residents to voluntary adhere to a curfew Nov. 24, more than 15,000 people in the County have tested positive for COVID-19 and 93 have died.
The curfew will end when the rate of transmission falls below 100 cases per 100,000 population. The current rate in Pima County is 357 per 100,000.
In a report to the Board of Supervisors Tuesday, County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry said County case investigations and contact tracing over the past 30 days have shown that more than a quarter of people with COVID reported having been to a dine-in restaurant or bar in the previous two weeks.
County health and safety code inspectors conducted observations of more than 400 establishments throughout the County Dec. 12 and 13 and found more than 15 percent were not following the county’s voluntary curfew request or the City of Tucson’s mandatory curfew, which the City Council imposed Dec. 1 and became effective Dec. 4.
Pima County Chief Medical Officer Dr. Francisco Garcia has previously told the Board that getting control of people socializing in the evening, especially where alcohol is consumed, will help reduce COVID-19 transmission rates.
“This is not the sole solution. It’s part of a number of strategies we’re implementing, including mandatory face coverings, to slow and stop the substantial transmission of the virus,” Garcia said. “The best thing everyone can do to stop the spread is stay home and wear a mask if you absolutely have to go out.”
The Health Department, executives of County hospitals and fire district chiefs issued an open letter to the community Dec. 11 stating hospitals were full and staff treating COVID patients exhausted. They implored the public to stay home, including over the holidays.
“While we know that this is a time of year to come together as families, friends, and as a community, it is really important that for this holiday season we ask you to avoid altogether any social gatherings, including among non-household family,” the 27 signers of the letter wrote. “Again, stay home, even during Christmas and New Year’s. We know that’s a lot to ask this time of year, but the holidays will come again; sit this one out. Use the internet and telephones to communicate with family and friends.”
The Board of Supervisors Dec. 4 mandated everyone in the County wear face masks. Individuals who fail to follow the face mask law may receive a $50 fine, businesses that don’t require employees or patrons to wear face masks could be fined $500.
To enforce the curfew, the Board authorized the County Health Department to suspend or revoke county-issued operating permits or licenses. Huckelberry noted in a memorandum to the Board that enforcement of the curfew on individuals would be impractical therefore the County will rely on the Health Department’s authority under state health laws to enforce compliance among businesses serving customers during the curfew period.
Resolution 2020-98, which is the legal authority for the mandate based on state health and contagious disease laws, includes several exemptions for people out after curfew performing essential activities or functions.
Read Resolution 2020-98.
Last 30 Days Contact Tracing Data (3,273 individuals)
- 51% (1654) report having close contact with a known or suspected COVID positive individual
- 61% (1990) report recently attending work, of those:
- 46% in a broad range of different occupations/settings
- 21% in health care related setting
- 4% in an office setting
- 12% in a school or day care related setting
- 5% in a correctional, law enforcement or government setting
- 26% (858) report recently visiting a bar/restaurant
- 15% (502) report gatherings with 10 or more people at a time, of those:
- 54% attended a party in a private venue
- 28% attended a religious service
- 15% attended an event at a restaurant or bar
- 16% (526) reported recent travel
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