Governor Ducey Announces New Money For Hospitals, Vaccine For Educators And More

Governor Doug Ducey addressed the media Wednesday about the status of COVID-19 in the state. He also made additional announcements. An additional $60-million will be provided to Arizona hospitals for staffing for a total of $85-million. He also said Arizona is expected to receive the first shipment of COVID-19 vaccine doses in mid-to-late December, pending FDA approval. The distribution plan prioritizes health care workers, educators, residents of long term facilities and vulnerable populations. He will also issue an executive order ensuring Arizonans can receive the vaccine for free. Ducey also says he will help restaurants expand outdoor dining space with allocating money to the Arizona Lodging and Tourism and Arizona Restaurant Associations to help. He also plans to issue an executive order to enhance health and safety requirements for large events that cities and towns approve. Ducey, and State Health Director Cara Christ, again stressed the importance of wearing masks when you can’t social distance. He did not implement a statewide mask ordinance after 90-percent of the state is already under a local masking ordinance. There were over 38-hundred new cases of the virus announced Wednesday with 52 new deaths.