Pima County Votes To Impose Curfew To Curb Coronavirus Spread

TUCSON, AZ — Following in Tucson's footsteps, Pima County will now be under a mandatory curfew.

The Pima County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 Tuesday to impose a mandatory 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew throughout the county in an effort to stop the the ever-rising rate of coronavirus cases in the area, according to a board memorandum signed by County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry.

Republican Supervisors Ally Miller and Steve Christy voted against the measure. Christy won re-election Nov. 3 and Miller declined to run for office again.

Pima County Chief Medical Officer Dr. Francisco Garcia previously told the board that discouraging people from socializing in the evenings, especially when and where alcohol is involved, will help reduce 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 curfew will end when the rate of transmission falls below 100 cases per 100,000 population. The current rate in Pima County is 357 cases per 100,000. The new rate of transmission for the two-week period that ended Sunday is expected to be higher, according to Pima County Health Director Dr. Theresa Cullen.

The county reported 798 new coronavirus cases and 17 additional deaths Tuesday out of 2,019 tests.

Exceptions will be made for anyone traveling to or from work, attending a religious service, seeking medical care, or anyone experiencing homelessness.

Pima County has had a voluntary curfew in place since Nov. 24 and instituted a countywide face mask requirement on Dec. 4 with fines for business or individuals that don't comply. The city of Tucson implemented a curfew of its own on Dec. 4 until at least Dec. 23.

County health and safety code inspectors conducted observations of more than 400 establishments throughout the county and found that more than 15 percent were not following Tucson's curfew. Huckelberry also told the board of supervisors that more than a quarter of those who have tested positive for the coronavirus in the last 30 days reported dining inside at a restaurant or bar in the two weeks before getting a diagnosis.

Also on Tuesday, the board authorized the county health department to suspend or revoke permits or licenses for businesses who fail to take the curfew seriously.