Dozens of Arizona bars, gyms cleared by state to reopen

ARIZONA – The Arizona Department of Health Services has given the OK for dozens of gyms, bars and theaters to reopen after reviewing their plans to limit the spread of COVID-19 at their businesses.

The green light was given to 2 movie theaters, 31 fitness centers and 5 bars, though some of the businesses, like EoS Fitness, run multiple locations.

Last week, Gov. Doug Ducey and DHS unveiled complex new guidelines regarding when those businesses can reopen based on the rate coronavirus is spreading in a given county.

Counties are rated in one of three categories for community spread — substantial, moderate and minimal — and the less community spread, the more businesses can be open and the more guests they can welcome.

The plans also include the ability of businesses to apply to reopen with special precautions, and more than 600 companies shut down by the governor's June 29 order have done so.

More approvals are likely each day as DHS reviews those applications.

"ADHS staff are reviewing them as quickly as possible," spokesman Steve Elliott said.

Six businesses were denied their applications to reopen but can appeal, he said.

Source: AZ Central